shoplifter

noun

shop·​lift·​er ˈshäp-ˌlif-tər How to pronounce shoplifter (audio)
: one who shoplifts

Examples of shoplifter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Supporters argue that the initiative is essential to closing legal loopholes that have hindered law enforcement's ability to penalize shoplifters and drug dealers effectively. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 Marcello Hernández played a bottle of shampoo, kept behind lock and key to ward off shoplifters, and Bowen Yang played a creepy bus driver who makes toilet gin in the bus restroom. Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 2 Nov. 2024 Pic is about a ring of enterprising boosters (aka shoplifters, equal opportunists), who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2024 There’s a homelessness crisis intertwined with a fentanyl crisis on the streets, retailers are locking away more merchandise to deter shoplifters, metals thieves are making off with whole streetlamps, and sometimes destructive, sometimes deadly street takeovers are proliferating. Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shoplifter 

Word History

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shoplifter was in 1680

Dictionary Entries Near shoplifter

Cite this Entry

“Shoplifter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shoplifter. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

shoplifter

noun
shop·​lift·​er -ˌlif-tər How to pronounce shoplifter (audio)
: a person who shoplifts

Legal Definition

shoplifter

noun
shop·​lift·​er
: one who shoplifts

More from Merriam-Webster on shoplifter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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