noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

burglary

BUR-gluh-ree

Burglary (noun) means the crime of breaking into a building or vehicle with intent to steal. Example: “Police are investigating a string of burglaries in the neighborhood.”

noun

The crime of breaking into a building or vehicle with intent to steal.

"Police are investigating a string of burglaries in the neighborhood."

How to use burglary

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe crime committed by a burglar — breaking in to steal.

Common pairings

commit burglary burglary charge

Word forms

burglaries plural

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Etymology

From New Latin burglaria, built on "burglar" plus the noun ending "-y".

Origin: New Latin

Rhymes for burglary

vary Mary nary wary Gary diary ovary weary apiary canary salary binary

See all rhymes for burglary →

Frequently asked questions

What does “burglary” mean?

The word “burglary” means the crime of breaking into a building or vehicle with intent to steal. In plain terms, the crime committed by a burglar — breaking in to steal.

How do you pronounce “burglary”?

“Burglary” is pronounced BUR-gluh-ree (/ˈbɝ.ɡlɚ.i/ in IPA).

How do you use “burglary” in a sentence?

Here is “burglary” used in a sentence: “Police are investigating a string of burglaries in the neighborhood.”

What part of speech is “burglary”?

“Burglary” is a noun.

Where does the word “burglary” come from?

The word “burglary” comes from New Latin. From New Latin burglaria, built on "burglar" plus the noun ending "-y".

Is “burglary” a common word?

“Burglary” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.