shoplifter

noun

shop·​lift·​er ˈshäp-ˌlif-tər How to pronounce shoplifter (audio)
: one who shoplifts

Examples of shoplifter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web At Home Depot, security personnel in stores are trained to address shoplifters to reduce the risks to customers and employees. Jennifer Williams-Alvarez, WSJ, 9 Jan. 2024 Research shows that shoplifters usually view stealing as a low-risk way to cope with their physical, emotional or economic stress. Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 With theft and crime being one of the more prevalent issues, Giant limited the number of entrances at its stores to create more obstacles for shoplifters — a tactic that drew objections from the city’s fire inspector. Meagan Flynn, Washington Post, 11 Aug. 2023 Advertisement Donald Trump, in a speech to California Republicans on Dec. 1, called for shoplifters to be shot on sight. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2023 There shouldn’t be a dollar limit that allows shoplifters to steal without consequences. Lindsey Holden, Sacramento Bee, 5 Feb. 2024 While some companies are bringing back more humans in stores, others hope that doubling down on technology will deter shoplifters. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2024 Retailers increasingly are using facial recognition software to patrol their stores for shoplifters and other unwanted customers. Drew Harwell, Washington Post, 22 Jan. 2024 Many are telling workers, even in some cases those in loss-prevention roles, not to confront shoplifters for safety reasons. Jennifer Williams-Alvarez, WSJ, 9 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shoplifter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shoplifter was in 1680

Dictionary Entries Near shoplifter

Cite this Entry

“Shoplifter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shoplifter. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

shoplifter

noun
shop·​lift·​er -ˌlif-tər How to pronounce shoplifter (audio)
: a person who shoplifts

Legal Definition

shoplifter

noun
shop·​lift·​er
: one who shoplifts

More from Merriam-Webster on shoplifter

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