purloin
verb (used with object)
to take dishonestly; steal; filch; pilfer.
purloins
-
present tense formof purloin (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
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.
With a fee that she purloins from a church collection plate, she implores him for help and he agrees, as he learns more about this young girl’s challenging childhood.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 12, 2025
He survives, and in the chaos purloins a painting that his mother loved and with which he becomes obsessed.
From The Guardian ● Sep. 5, 2019
Desperate to buy her father out of debtor’s prison, she purloins a copy of his thesis and sets out to win the Great God Contest herself.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 13, 2015
The best exemplar of the species is probably E. W. Hornung’s Raffles, who was educated at the best schools, plays cricket for England, moves among the upper classes and discreetly purloins their jewels.
From New York Times ● Jul. 6, 2012
Never antes nor sticks in a white chip, but purloins Hamilton's strains, an' pulls off his dances tharby.
From Wolfville by Alfred Henry Lewis
