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

After hacking your way through a parade of low-level enemies, and past a mini-boss, you meet the large bird that pilfered the Demonic Forest Spirit’s soul.

From Washington Post

En route, they have pilfered from grain stores, scoffed mountains of corn and pineapples, and caused over $1 million of damage as they amble slowly through farmland and villages.

From Time

I’ve made delicious shrubs with everything from early spring rhubarb to loquats pilfered from my parents’ backyard.

From Eater

As a teenager, Kaestel stole to eat, then to get another tank of gas, and eventually to pay for everything he’d otherwise need to pilfer piecemeal.

From The Daily Beast

It makes sense that mole-rats would not only defend it, but try to pilfer this resource from others.

From Science News

But Julius and his comrades continued to pilfer American secrets for years after the defeat of fascism.

From The Daily Beast

To pay a debt by means of a worthless cheque was evidently less reprehensible than to pilfer a brooch from a dressing-table.

From Project Gutenberg

To pilfer a supper, and then have it found in its natural state, after eating it—I confess that that is a most remarkable trick!

From Project Gutenberg

Like the others of this family, they pilfer their food from the Gulls, and are also very destructive to young birds and eggs.

From Project Gutenberg

The movements of the red-haired girl were not those of one who sought to pilfer.

From Project Gutenberg

When they had pilfer'd some from her, she was more cautious how she paraded with 'em for the future.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• filch
• purloin
• swipe