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Definition of pilfer

pilfer

/ˈpɪl.fɚ/
pil · fer
Past Simple:pilfered
•
Past Participle:pilfered
•
Present Participle:pilfering
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pilfer Lexical Profile

pilfer Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To steal things of relatively little value or in small quantities, often repeatedly and surreptitiously.

Example

"The store manager noticed that someone had been pilfering office supplies from the storage closet over several months."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for pilfer
Antonyms
View all antonyms for pilfer

• Nearby Words

piledriver
piles
pileup
pilfer
pilferage
pilferer
pilgrim

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 16th century from Anglo-Norman and Old French 'pelfrer' (to plunder or pillage), derived from 'pelfre' (booty or spoils).

Cite this Entry

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