pilfer
verb (used with or without object)
to steal, especially in small quantities.
have pilfered
-
present perfectof pilfer.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Mike figured an animal must have pilfered them, so he set up an infrared motion-detecting camera and scattered a few golf balls as bait.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 14, 2022
The document Goynes and Russo have pilfered contains plans for a catalytic converter, an innovation that will enable cars to emit less pollution.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 2, 2021
For one thing, powerful accounts likely had valuable information sitting in their direct messages, which the hackers may have pilfered for future reference.
From Slate ● Jul. 17, 2020
According to a senior U.S. defense official, the Iranians could have pilfered some personal information from the captives.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 13, 2016
But I forbear the further threading of proverbs, lest I seem to have pilfered my friend Erasmus' adages.
From The Praise of Folly by John Wilson
