misdemeanor

American  

[mis-di-mee-ner] / ˌmɪs dɪˈmi nər /

especially British, misdemeanour

noun

1. Law. a criminal offense defined as less serious than a felony.

2. an instance of misbehavior; misdeed.

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misdemeanor Cultural  

1. A minor crime, punishable by a fine or a light jail term. Common misdemeanors, such as traffic violations, are usually dealt with informally, without a trial. (Compare felony.)

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Etymology

Origin of misdemeanor

First recorded in 1480–90; mis- ¹ + demeanor

Explanation

A misdemeanor is a minor offense, rather than a serious crime. A minor infraction like keeping a library book for years or stealing a pack of bubblegum would be considered a misdemeanor. A crime like murder is serious, a felony that can land the person who commits it in jail for a long time. A misdemeanor, on the other hand, is a far less serious offense. Commit a misdemeanor such as petty theft, and you might not get more than a slap on the wrist.

Example Sentences

She was charged with interfering with a federal agent and issued a notice of violation — essentially a ticket — for the misdemeanor offense.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

There have been some successful prosecutions: 32 of the 116 people whose arrests in California we reviewed have been convicted, many pleading guilty to misdemeanor charges.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

The willful failure to file a tax return is a misdemeanor.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Attorney Douglas Duncan appeared in Martin County, Fla., court Tuesday, waived arraignment on Woods’ behalf, entered not guilty pleas on the two misdemeanor charges and requested a trial by jury.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Another category of restriction: “persons convicted of a crime or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.”

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Related Words

• offense
• transgression
• violation