pilfer

Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word pilfer. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word pilfer, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say pilfer in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word pilfer you have here. The definition of the word pilfer will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofpilfer, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.

English

WOTD – 24 May 2008
Boys Pilfering Molasses, 1853 painting by George Henry Hall.

Etymology

From Middle English pilfre (“booty”), from Old French pelfre (“plunder, booty, spoils”), of unknown origin. Compare pelf.

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈpɪl.fə/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈpɪl.fɚ/
  • Audio (US)(file)
  • Audio (AU)(file)

Verb

pilfer (third-person singular simple present pilfers, present participle pilfering, simple past and past participle pilfered)

  1. (transitive, intransitive) To steal in small quantities, or articles of small value; to practise petty theft.

Derived terms

Related terms

Translations

See also

Anagrams

Wikious
Boobota
Sagapedia