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
1
The crime of breaking into a building or vehicle with intent to steal.
"Essentially, Jarden makes anything that you’d find left behind after a burglary."
— Tim Carvell et al, Pennies (2016)
"It’s hard to say whether Corona was actually playing pickleball or was just nowhere near Slowjamastan at the time of the burglary and thinks it’s funny to say he was playing pickleball."
— Noah Goldberg, He runs a desert micro-nation by the Salton Sea. Population Zero (2025)
"Police are investigating a string of burglaries in the neighborhood."
How to use burglary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe crime committed by a burglar — breaking in to steal.
Common pairings
commit burglary
burglary charge
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Word forms
- Plural
- burglaries
Etymology
From New Latin burglaria, built on "burglar" plus the noun ending "-y".
Rhymes for burglary
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.
