pilfer
verb (used with or without object)
to steal, especially in small quantities.
pilfered
-
past participleof pilfer.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
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.
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
Setup: After Woody gets pilfered by a toy dealer, he discovers he’s part of a rare vintage set that includes Jessie and a horse named Bullseye.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 17, 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 heavy and double-walled steel structure of the machine is also less likely to be pilfered from than stores with ammunition sitting on an open shelf.
From Slate ● Aug. 12, 2024
My parents never offered them, and the glass doors obviously guarded them, and so I pilfered from that case.
From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck
