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Definition of pickpocket

pickpocket

/ˈpɪkˌpɑːkɪt/
pick · pock · et
Plural:pickpockets
•
Past Simple:pickpocketed
•
Past Participle:pickpocketed
•
Present Participle:pickpocketing
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pickpocket Lexical Profile

pickpocket Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A thief who stealthily steals money or valuables from the pockets or bags of people, especially in crowded public places.

Example

"Tourists were warned to keep their wallets secure because a skilled pickpocket was operating near the train station."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To steal stealthily from the pockets or bag of a person, or to steal an item in this manner.

Example

"Someone managed to pickpocket the commuter while he was boarding the crowded subway car."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for pickpocket

• Nearby Words

pickler
pickling
pickoff
pickpocket
pickpocketing
pickup
picky

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in late 16th-century English as a verb-object compound of 'pick' (in the sense of pilfering or plucking) and 'pocket', replacing the earlier medieval term 'cutpurse' as sewn-in garment pockets gradually replaced external leather pouches.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pickpocket. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pickpocket
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