Definition of BURGLAR

burglar

Plural: burglars

Noun

  • a thief who enters a building with intent to steal
  • A person who breaks in to premises with the intent of committing theft.

Verb

  • To commit burglary.

Examples

  • "The burglar made off with a large diamond from the museum."

Origin / Etymology

16th century, from Medieval Latin burglātor, British byform of burgātor (“burglar”), derived from burgō (“to commit burglary”), from Late Latin burgus (“fortified town”), itself probably from Frankish *burg (“fortress”), from Proto-Germanic *burgz, *burgiją (“borough, watch-tower”).
The -l- in burglātor may have been inserted under influence from Latin latro (“thief”). The shortened English form may have arisen through confluence with Old French burgeor (“burglar”), itself from the same Latin source.

Synonyms

burglar, burglarizer, cracksman, drawlatch, housebreaker, sneck lifter

Scrabble Score: 10

burglar is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
burglar is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
burglar is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 14

burglar is a valid Words With Friends word