pilfer

American  

[pil-fer] / ˈpɪl fər /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to steal, especially in small quantities.

   Synonyms:

   appropriate, filch, purloin, thieve

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pilfer British  

/ ˈpɪlfə /

verb

1. to steal (minor items), esp in small quantities

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Other Word Forms

• pilferer
  noun
• pilfering
  noun
• unpilfered
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of pilfer

1540–50; v. use of late Middle English pilfre booty < Middle French pelfre. See pelf

Explanation

To pilfer is to steal something, typically of small value. Minor thefts, like taking a roll of toilet paper out of a public bathroom or napkins from the Early Bird Buffet are what your grandfather, for example, might pilfer. The verb pilfer comes from the Old French noun pelfre, meaning “booty,” or “spoils.” Now pilfer is used when talking about the act of stealing loot: you may find that you have to really restrain yourself from the desire to pilfer your friend’s new fur-lined gloves, even though you're pretty sure she pilfered your headphones. Robin Hood was able to pilfer from the rich to give to the poor.

Example Sentences

But when Uncle Murray refuses to pay up, and Marty has to pilfer the money for his trip, the road to global eminence takes some sharp turns.

From Salon • Dec. 25, 2025

Now she should pilfer another, helping middle-class families in California and other high-tax states.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 2024

They break into garages, pilfer supposedly unreachable bird feeders and ransack trash bins, even defeating lids specifically designed to thwart them.

From New York Times • Sep. 22, 2022

Did he send a staffer to pilfer them from the school library?

From Seattle Times • Mar. 29, 2022

"What this navy has done, sir," Morris' voice was rising, "is to seize and pilfer the merchantmen of a nation England has not declared war on."

From Caribbee by Hoover, Thomas

Related Words

• filch
• purloin
• swipe