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.
The company’s cyber investigators began to work with their own partners that specialize in tracing cryptocurrency—TRM Labs, Chainalysis and Elliptic—to compile a list of digital addresses containing the pilfered funds.
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
The merchants, many of whom are based in L.A., have been locked in a yearslong legal battle with Brink’s over the value of their pilfered goods.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 17, 2025
Some people had small surprises—a potato they had saved or something they had pilfered.
From "Between Shades of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys
