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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

Warehousing and packaging costs can be cut; pilferage and damage are less of a problem, cutting insurance costs.

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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