pickpocket

[ pik-pok-it ]

noun

1. a person who steals money, wallets, etc., from the pockets of people, as in crowded public places.

verb (used with object)

1. to steal (a wallet, money, etc.) in the manner of a pickpocket.
2. to steal from (a person) in the manner of a pickpocket.

pickpocket

/ ˈpɪkˌpɒkɪt /

noun

1. a person who steals from the pockets or handbags of others in public places

Word History and Origins

Origin of pickpocket¹

First recorded in 1585–95; pick ¹ + pocket

Example Sentences

This strap makes it harder for pickpockets to slash the strap in their attempt to steal it.

From Popular-Science

The menacing thugs, petty criminals, and pickpockets sized up the intruder in their midst.

From The Daily Beast

Be mindful when you’re gawking at your surroundings — pickpockets abound!

From Washington Post

Stolen features a pickpocket with a cleavage to kill for who gets caught and has to return a wallet.

From The Daily Beast

The Thief tells the story of an anonymous pickpocket who steals as much for the thrill of the hunt as he does for the money.

From The Daily Beast

Why not have kept him here among the rest, and made a sneaking, snivelling pickpocket of him at once?

From Project Gutenberg

The pickpocket finds it easy to unsnap a handbag and remove some of the contents, especially in crowded places.

From Project Gutenberg

He was out of it in an instant with the agility of a pickpocket, was across the room and at Hade's throat like a dog.

From Project Gutenberg

"Crowd chasing a pickpocket, I imagine," said Trencher indifferently.

From Project Gutenberg

"Say, boss, they've caught the pickpocket—if that's what he was," he cried out excitedly.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• thief