pilfer
verb (used with or without object)
to steal, especially in small quantities.
pilfered
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past participleof pilfer.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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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.
Disappointing earnings reports triggered a selloff in tech and AI shares, while Binance reported hackers pilfered $6.3 billion.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026
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
At times, when throws were pilfered or just launched over the back with no jumper and seemingly no communication, it was an unholy mess.
From BBC ● Feb. 7, 2026
One Santa Monica resident whose home was burglarized early Wednesday hoped that the presence of an Apple AirTag amid her pilfered items could help investigators track down their whereabouts.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 16, 2025
Hal arrives with an overstuffed portfolio of maps torn from atlases and pilfered from AAA.
From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman
