# larceny

/ˈɫɑɹsəni/ (US) · /lˈɑːsəni/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/larceny
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

the crime of stealing something. It is a more formal and slightly old-fashioned word for a theft.

For teachers: the act of stealing; the crime of larceny. Often used in legal or literary contexts to distinguish a specific type of theft from more general crimes.

## Examples

- The thief was caught for the larceny of a rare painting.
- The legal team argued that the defendant's actions constituted larceny rather than a more serious form of burglary.
- While modern legal systems often use the term 'theft' for most property crimes, the term larceny remains a specific legal classification for the unlawful taking of property without the use of force or violence.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.