stole

1 of 2

past tense of steal

stole

2 of 2

noun

1
: a long loose garment : robe
2
: an ecclesiastical vestment consisting of a long usually silk band worn traditionally around the neck by bishops and priests and over the left shoulder by deacons
3
: a long wide scarf or similar covering worn by women usually across the shoulders

Examples of stole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The lives that LaPierre stole won’t be so easily replaced. Francis Wilkinson, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2024 After hours of rain and clouds on Friday in the District, light stole at day’s end through and beneath the overcast to convert the clouds themselves into a sunset tapestry of pink, red and luminous orange. Martin Weil, Washington Post, 24 Feb. 2024 Over 1,000 mourners, several hundred of whom were transgender, arrived in daring outfits — glittery miniskirts and halter tops, fishnet stockings, sumptuous fur stoles and at least one boa sewed from $100 bills. Liam Stack, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2024 Less laidback were cinched waists and scarves and stoles that wrapped around the neck and shoulder. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2024 Cosby is also accused of collecting the checks Sisco stole, the indictment says. Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2024 Red also proved to be the hue of the night: Danielle Brooks shined in her Old Hollywood Moschino look (also complete with a dramatic stole), as well as Julianne Moore, who chose a structural and strapless design by Bottega Veneta. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2024 The list of objects authorities say the suspects stole is long. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Jan. 2024 Nist gave her ensemble an Old Hollywood touch by teaming it with a mauve faux fur stole and gold stilettos. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 4 Jan. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English, from Latin stola, from Greek stolē equipment, robe, from stellein to set up, make ready

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stole was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near stole

Cite this Entry

“Stole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stole. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

stole

1 of 2
ˈstōl

past of steal

stole

2 of 2 noun
1
: a long narrow band worn around the neck by bishops and priests in ceremonies
2
: a long wide scarf or similar covering worn by women usually across the shoulders

Legal Definition

stole

past of steal

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