# shoplifter

/ˈʃɑˌpɫɪftɝ/ (US) · /ʃˈɒplɪftɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shoplifter
Updated: 2026-09-28

## Definition

a person who steals things from a shop while pretending to be a customer.

For teachers: a person who steals goods from a retail establishment during business hours while posing as a customer.

## Examples

- The security guard catches a shoplifter near the exit.
- The store manager called the police after a shoplifter tried to leave with several expensive jackets hidden in a bag.
- Modern retail security relies heavily on digital surveillance to identify any repeat shoplifter before they can exit the premises with stolen merchandise.

## Synonyms

thief

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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.