pilfer

[ pil-fer ]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to steal, especially in small quantities.

   Synonyms: appropriate, filch, purloin, thieve

pilfer

/ ˈpɪlfə /

verb

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

Derived Forms

• ˈpilfering, noun
• ˈpilferer, noun

Other Words From

• pilfer·er noun
• un·pilfered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pilfer¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pilfer¹

C14 pylfre (n) from Old French pelfre booty; see pelf

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times

There, detectives watched a four-person crew suspected in the thefts pilfer more Scratchers.

From Los Angeles Times

The reason is that if hackers pilfer your password from one service, they can try it on your other accounts and easily get into all of them.

From Seattle Times

The company says it’s beefing up security protocols to make it harder for hackers to use stolen credentials or access tools to pilfer data.

From Seattle Times

A tuba is also much harder for a thief to pilfer than, say, a piccolo, or even a trumpet.

From New York Times

Related Words

• filch
• purloin
• swipe