1
a
: the act of stealing
specifically
: the felonious taking and removing of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it
b
: an unlawful taking (as by embezzlement or burglary) of property
2
: a stolen base in baseball
3
obsolete
: something stolen
Examples of theft in a Sentence
The theft of the jewelry and other valuables was immediately reported to the police.
He was found guilty of theft.
Recent Examples on the Web
Calhoun received a light punishment for his prior convictions, including car theft, burglary and fighting with arresting officers.
—
Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 21 May 2024
Republicans are supporting a ballot measure to roll back portions of Proposition 47, a 2014 initiative that reduced penalties for minor theft and drug possession crimes.
—Nicole Nixon, Sacramento Bee, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for theft 
Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 21 May 2024
Republicans are supporting a ballot measure to roll back portions of Proposition 47, a 2014 initiative that reduced penalties for minor theft and drug possession crimes.
—Nicole Nixon, Sacramento Bee, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for theft
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'theft.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near theft
Cite this Entry
“Theft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theft. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
theft
noun
: the act of stealing
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