mugger

¹

[ muhg-er ]

noun

1. a person who mugs, especially one who assaults a person in order to rob them.

mugger

²

or mug·gar, mug·gur

[ muhg-er ]

noun

1. a broad-snouted crocodile, Crocodylus palustris, of southern Asia, that grows to a length of about 16 feet (4.88 meters).

mugger

¹

/ ˈmʌɡə /

noun

1. a large freshwater crocodile, Crocodylus niloticus, inhabiting marshes and pools of India and Ceylon Also calledmarsh crocodile

mugger

²

/ ˈmʌɡə /

noun

1. informal.
   a person who commits robbery with violence, esp in the street
2. a person who overacts

Word History and Origins

Origin of mugger¹

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65; mug + -er ¹

Origin of mugger²

First recorded in 1835–45, mugger is from the Hindi word magar

Word History and Origins

Origin of mugger¹

C19: from Hindi magar

Example Sentences

She said her son’s reputation as a fighter for civic justice, along with a past episode where he fought off muggers, led her to believe he was among those who foiled the terrorists’ plans to fly the jet to Washington.

From Washington Blade

Yes, some will fairly argue that a mugger could have a gun and will kill you if put up a fight.

From The Daily Beast

Amazingly, the mugger has actually been caught and the phone restored to its rightful owner.

From The Daily Beast

Did you hear the one about the citizen who was charged with assault for bringing down a runaway mugger?

From The Daily Beast

But did you hear the one about the citizen who was charged with assault for bringing down a runaway mugger?

From The Daily Beast

But they were taking no steps for this purpose; they were content with social hugger-mugger.

From Project Gutenberg

Cugger-mugger; whispering, gossiping in a low voice: Jack and Bessie had a great cugger-mugger.

From Project Gutenberg

By the shaking of the chain he knew that the mugger was coming along, and he decided in a flash to take strong measures.

From Project Gutenberg

He has jaws bigger than those of the largest Mugger crocodile, and a tremendous array of fang-like teeth.

From Project Gutenberg

"Three years, as men count years," said the Mugger, close pressed to the earth.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• assailant
• thief
• thug