prowler
prowler Lexical Profile
prowler Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person who moves around stealthily and quietly, especially in search of an opportunity to commit a burglary or other unlawful act.
"The homeowner installed motion-activated floodlights in the backyard after neighbors reported seeing a prowler in the alley."
A predatory animal that roams quietly and stealthily in search of prey.
"By dusk, the leopard becomes a silent prowler along the forested riverbanks."
North American A police patrol car that cruises streets to monitor neighborhoods and respond to emergencies.
"Two officers in a police prowler patrolled the quiet downtown district throughout the night."
• Rhymes for prowler
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the 16th century from the Middle English verb 'prollen' (to search or roam about in search of plunder) combined with the agentive suffix '-er'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.