pilfer

[US]/ˈpɪlfə(r)/
[UK]/ˈpɪlfər/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

vt. & vi. to steal small items; to steal.

Example Sentences

the mouse that pilfers from our pantry

strawberries pilfered from the farmer.

Pilfering has stopped entirely since they put Angus in charge of the stores.

Attractive and 'Pilfer-Proof' - A stapled box leaves a clear, unmarred surface;no part of the box is obscured (especially print) and the box achieves its function as a messenger.

The employee was caught pilfering office supplies.

Shoplifters often pilfer small items from stores.

Thieves pilfered valuable artwork from the museum.

The burglars pilfered jewelry and electronics from the house.

He was caught pilfering money from his roommate.

The pickpocket tried to pilfer the tourist's wallet.

Thieves pilfered packages from doorsteps in the neighborhood.

The maid was accused of pilfering items from the hotel rooms.

The children were caught pilfering candies from the store.

The suspect was observed attempting to pilfer goods from the supermarket.

Real-world Examples

Researchers tested the circumstances under which lemurs would pilfer food from people.

Source: Science in 60 Seconds Listening Compilation July 2013

But hungry elephants keep returning to pilfer cropland at night in India.

Source: Scientific 60 Seconds - Scientific American October 2021 Compilation

They snatch it from dying comrades and pilfer it from locals.

Source: The Economist (Summary)

Or perhaps Mundungus, who had pilfered plenty from this house both before and after Sirius died?

Source: 7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Sharks up the food chain take their cut, leaving local pirates to pilfer crews' watches and mobiles.

Source: The Economist - Arts

The fewer people who know what is in the collection, the easier it might be to pilfer from it.

Source: The Guardian (Article Version)

Some Shakespeare, history of England, which I've pilfered from someone.

Source: Architectural Digest

We extort, we pilfer, we filch and sack.

Source: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

Later, he pilfered some pigeons from another's pigeonhole.

Source: Pan Pan

For I pilfered something which I already had in sufficient measure, and of much better quality.

Source: Volume Two of the Confessions

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