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Synonyms

pilferage

American  
[pil-fer-ij] / ˈpɪl fər ɪdʒ /

noun

  1. the act or practice of pilfering; petty theft.

  2. something that is pilfered.


pilferage British  
/ ˈpɪlfərɪdʒ /

noun

  1. the act or practice of stealing small quantities or articles

  2. the amount so stolen

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of pilferage

First recorded in 1620–30; pilfer + -age


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Further investigation by the SIT has revealed pilferage also from the pedestals and door frames and the court says that approximately 4.54kg gold has gone missing since 2019.

From BBC ● Nov. 4, 2025

Konchalski criticized “the rampant pilferage of talent” as “craven” before wishing subscribers continued success.

From New York Times ● Mar. 18, 2021

And “Body Double” was seen as pilferage from “Vertigo”; in both cases the identity of the woman who enthralls the hero is a fluid thing.

From Washington Post ● Aug. 10, 2015

It sells some 2,000,000 policies a year in 150 countries and has 1,500 agents stationed the world over to follow the movements of every ship at sea, report on pilferage or disaster and settle claims.

From Time Magazine Archive

The massive pilferage that ensued would make me look powerless, ridiculous.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

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