rustler

[ ruhs-ler ]

noun

1. a cattle thief.
2. a person or thing that rustles.
3. Informal. an active, energetic person.

ˈrustler

/ ˈrʌslə /

noun

1. a cattle or horse thief
2. informal.
   an energetic or vigorous person

Word History and Origins

Origin of rustler¹

First recorded in 1810–20; rustle + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The team draws in informants, bootleggers, cattle rustlers and many other people in the community to develop the investigation.

From Salon

The government has also been deploying the military and other security forces to fight cattle rustlers and armed bandits in several counties in East Africa's Rift Valley.

From Reuters

The first was an extract from a story about friends who believe they have come across sheep "rustlers" - a word used in the text, which means someone who steals animals from farms.

From BBC

At least 11 people have been killed by cattle rustlers during an ambush in northern Kenya, police said.

From BBC

This election, he said, is “the worst in the history of Kenya” describing the choice between Odinga and Ruto as one “between a burglar and a cattle rustler.”

From Washington Post

Related Words

• bandit
• burglar
• con artist
• crook
• looter
• marauder
• mugger
• pickpocket
• pirate
• raider
• rustler
• shoplifter
• swindler
• thief
• thug