pilfer
verb (used with or without object)
to steal, especially in small quantities.
pilfered
-
past participleof pilfer.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof pilfer.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
pilferverb (used with or without object)to steal, especially in small quantities.
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.
Historically, authorities have clawed back pilfered funds about 75% of the time when scams were reported within 72 hours, said the FBI’s Lynch.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026
It was Becerra’s dormant state political account that allegedly got pilfered of $225,000 while he was health secretary.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 17, 2025
It is believed Gordon Stewart Wimbush pilfered the plate while he was studying at Gonville & Caius College, which he joined in 1908.
From BBC ● Nov. 11, 2025
Instead of using the financing for the benefit of the company, James “secretly pilfered some of the company’s assets to fund his and his family’s lavish lifestyle,” the complaint alleges.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 4, 2025
Hal arrives with an overstuffed portfolio of maps torn from atlases and pilfered from AAA.
From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman
