burglar

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'burglar' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person who enters into a building or house by stealth and unlawfully for the purpose of stealing. For example: The burglar broke into the house while the family was asleep.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The fashion for small-batch sales could explain a certain edgy appeal some detect in the new burglar.

The Guardian - Business

The unfortunate victim in the rue de La Santé was Max Bloch, a burglar and double murderer.

The Guardian

This morning featured a walk through a tangle of internet, boiler and burglar alarm wireless rays just to boil the kettle, those same waves zinging my soft-boned children.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Charles Peace, a cat burglar hanged in 1879, is represented not just by his ingenious folding stepladder but by the violin with which he was apparently an excellent performer.

The Guardian

Over Christmas a burglar in Warrington was caught after forensics found his fingerprints on a bottle.

The Guardian - Opinion

What you doing in my house?' She thought I was a burglar.

The Guardian

Why did the burglar take a shower?

The Guardian

Private security has proliferated: shops have cameras, houses have burglar alarms and cars have immobilisers.

The Economist

If somebody does, an alarm is triggered, as a burglar might set off an alarm breaking into a house at night.These programs deter some leakers and keep employees from doing stupid things.

The Economist

A burglar in Seoul, the capital, has defended himself by noting that the rich people he robbed were selfishly hoarding dollars that they should have swapped for won to brake the currency's slide.All three candidates in the presidential election due on December 18th are playing up to this silliness.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

MACAULAY CULKIN 1980- (US) Big break: Home Alone (1990) A short life: The burglar-defying 10-year-old Culkin was the biggest child star since Shirley Temple.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "burglar", provide specific details about the crime, such as the location, time, and items stolen, to create a more vivid and impactful narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "burglar" interchangeably with "robber" or "thief". A "burglar" specifically enters a building unlawfully to commit a crime, while a "robber" uses force or threat, and a "thief" is a general term for someone who steals.

Linguistic Context

The word "burglar" functions primarily as a noun, identifying a person who commits burglary. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes someone who unlawfully enters a building to steal. Examples from the provided text show its use in news reports and encyclopedia articles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "burglar" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun that identifies a person who commits burglary, which involves unlawfully entering a building to steal. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in describing this specific type of crime. Its usage is most prevalent in News & Media, Encyclopedia and Science contexts, reflecting its importance in reporting and defining criminal activities. When using "burglar", ensure accuracy by distinguishing it from related terms like "robber" and "thief".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thief

A more general term for someone who steals, not necessarily involving unlawful entry.

housebreaker

Specifically refers to someone who breaks into a house to steal.

intruder

Broader term indicating someone who enters a place without permission, not necessarily to commit a crime.

prowler

Suggests someone who moves stealthily in an area, often with criminal intent.

robber

Someone who steals from a person or place, often using force or threat.

criminal trespasser

Someone who enters or remains unlawfully on property.

shoplifter

Someone who steals goods from a store while pretending to be a customer.

larcenist

A person who commits larceny (theft of personal property).

embezzler

Someone who steals or misappropriates money or goods entrusted to their care.

fraudster

A person who engages in fraud or deception.

FAQs

How is "burglar" different from "robber"?

A "burglar" /s/burglar enters a building unlawfully to commit a crime, usually theft. A "robber" /s/robber steals from someone using force or threat of force, often in person.

What are some common synonyms for "burglar"?

Synonyms for "burglar" include "thief", "housebreaker", and "intruder", each with slightly different connotations.

Is it correct to use "burglar" to describe someone who steals from a car?

While technically someone stealing from a car could be considered a thief, "burglar" /s/burglar typically refers to someone entering a building unlawfully to commit a crime. "Car thief" or "vehicle thief" would be more accurate.

Can "burglar" be used to describe someone who steals data from a computer system?

While the act is theft, "burglar" /s/burglar is typically used for physical entry into a building. Terms like "cybercriminal", "hacker", or "data thief" are more appropriate for digital theft.