Definition of BURGLARY

burglary

Meanings

Plural: burglaries

Noun

  • entering a building unlawfully with intent to commit a felony or to steal valuable property
  • The crime of unlawfully breaking into a vehicle, house, store, or other enclosure with the intent to steal.
  • Under the common law, breaking and entering of the dwelling of another at night with the intent to commit a felony.
  • The crime of unlawfully breaking into a vehicle, house, store, or other enclosure with the intent to steal.
  • Under the Model Penal Code, entering a building or occupied structure with purpose to commit a crime therein, unless the premises are at the time open to the public or the actor is licensed or privileged to enter.
  • The crime of unlawfully breaking into a vehicle, house, store, or other enclosure with the intent to steal.

Origin / Etymology

From New Latin burglaria. Equivalent to burglar + -y. Displaced native Old English hūsbryċe (literally “house-breach”).

Scrabble Score: 14

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

Words With Friends Score: 17

burglary is a valid Words With Friends word