cat burglar

American  

noun

1. a burglar who breaks into buildings by climbing through upstairs windows, across roofs, etc., especially with great stealth and agility.

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cat burglar British  

noun

1. a burglar who enters buildings by climbing through upper windows, skylights, etc

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Etymology

Origin of cat burglar

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

A prolific cat burglar has been caught red handed after stealing anything she can get her paws on.

From BBC • Sep. 8, 2023

“Death Prefers Blondes” follows a teenage glitteratus, Margo Manning, who moonlights as a cat burglar alongside a team of fabulous young drag queens.

From New York Times • Feb. 17, 2023

It’s just … a cat burglar tale, alongside completely irrelevant questions.

From Slate • May 28, 2022

A cat burglar adversary to Batman, the role has shifted over the years to love interest and love interest/adversary.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2022

Victor, dressed in black sneakers, pants, and hood, like a cat burglar, walked in, followed by his boys.

From "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor