What does burglary mean?
Burglary means entering a building or similar structure as a thief, usually with the intention of committing a crime inside. The word is especially associated with legal and journalistic reporting, where it identifies an offense involving unlawful or forced entry rather than theft alone. The precise legal meaning varies by jurisdiction: some definitions focus on residential buildings, while others include shops, offices, or other structures, and the intended crime may need to be more serious than theft. In general use, burglary conveys deliberate criminal entry and is more specific than theft or robbery, which describe the taking of property rather than the unauthorized entry itself. A burglary alarm, a charge of burglary, and insurance against burglary are common practical applications. Although often treated as a single crime, multiple separate incidents or offenses are counted as burglaries. The word comes through French from Latin roots connected with a fortified town, giving this modern term an unexpectedly civic linguistic origin.
nounThe act of entering a building or other structure as a thief, typically with the intention of committing a crime there. In legal contexts, the precise elements and possible penalties vary by jurisdiction.
- The act or offense of entering a building or other structure as a thief with the intention of committing a crime there.
"Police are investigating a burglary at the corner shop."
"Police are investigating a burglary at the corner shop."
"The suspect was charged with burglary after officers found evidence of forced entry."
The plural is used for separate incidents or offenses.
"A number of burglaries were reported across the neighborhood."
Burglary’s ancestor was a word for a thief associated with a fortified town—an oddly civic beginning for a crime.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of burglary
The word entered Middle English from Anglo-French burglarie, which was based on Old French burgler, meaning “thief.” Old French burgler developed from Latin burgula, a diminutive of burgus, “fortified town”; burgus itself came from Germanic roots associated with a fortification or fortified settlement. The English forms burglar, burgle, and burglarize developed from the same broader word family.
How burglary is actually used
The word is formal and especially common in legal, police, insurance, and news contexts. Its legal definition varies between jurisdictions, and in some systems it requires unlawful entry into a specified kind of structure with intent to commit a further offense. Outside legal usage, it generally refers to a break-in intended to commit a crime.
Easily confused with burglary
Burglary is the criminal act, whereas a burglar is the person who commits it.