noun B1 Intermediate Uncommon

burglar

BURG-luh

Burglar (noun) means a person who breaks into a building to steal. Example: “A burglar broke a window and took the jewelry box.”

noun

A person who breaks into a building to steal.

"A burglar broke a window and took the jewelry box."

"The alarm scared off the burglar before he reached the safe."

How to use burglar

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who breaks into a home or building to steal things.

Common mistake

A burglar breaks in to steal; a robber typically uses force or threats against a person directly.

Common pairings

catch a burglar burglar alarm

Word forms

burglared past tense, burglars plural, burglars singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ broke a window and took the jewelry box.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin burglator, related to Late Latin burgus ("fortified town") — an extra "l" crept in, likely influenced by Latin latro ("thief").

Origin: Late Latin

Frequently asked questions

What does “burglar” mean?

The word “burglar” means a person who breaks into a building to steal. In plain terms, someone who breaks into a home or building to steal things.

How do you pronounce “burglar”?

“Burglar” is pronounced BURG-luh (/ˈbɝɡlɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “burglar” in a sentence?

Here is “burglar” used in a sentence: “A burglar broke a window and took the jewelry box.”

What part of speech is “burglar”?

“Burglar” is a noun.

Where does the word “burglar” come from?

The word “burglar” comes from Late Latin. From Medieval Latin burglator, related to Late Latin burgus ("fortified town") — an extra "l" crept in, likely influenced by Latin latro ("thief").

Is “burglar” a common word?

“Burglar” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.