burglar

Everyday

A burglar is a person who breaks into a house, shop or building to steal things. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday safety lessons, children learn to lock doors and windows and that burglar alarms protect homes. In stories and cartoons, burglars sneak in at night. Phrases: burglar alarm, catch a burglar, a burglar broke in.

Examples

• A burglar broke into the shop last night. tree →
• The burglar alarm went off. tree →
• Always lock the door so burglars can't get in. tree →
• The police caught the burglar. tree →
• The dog barked and scared the burglar away. tree →
• In the cartoon, the burglar wore a striped shirt and a mask. tree →
• If you think a burglar is in your house, get out quietly and call the police. tree →

Note

Countable: a burglar, burglars. Crime: burglary; verb: burgle (UK) or burglarize (USA). Spelling: -ar at the end, not -er. A burglar breaks in to steal; a robber uses force or threats against people. Safety: never try to stop a burglar yourself.