ENGLISH
REFERENCE

steals

v. · n.
US //ˈstiɫz// UK //stˈiːlz// steals
  1. 1 to take without permission (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to take something that belongs to someone else without their permission.

    the third-person singular present indicative form of 'steal', meaning to take another's property without right or permission.

    Example

    He steals a glance at his watch every few minutes during the long meeting.

    Example

    The protagonist steals bread to feed his family, a desperate act that sets the entire plot of the novel in motion.
  2. 2 a great bargain (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    something that is bought for a much lower price than it is worth.

    an informal term for a purchase made at a price significantly below its market value.

    Example

    At only ten dollars, this designer jacket is one of the best steals I have ever found.

    Example

    The collector considered the antique desk one of his greatest steals, having acquired it for a fraction of its appraised value at a local estate sale.
    • rip off
  3. 3 sports statistic (n.)
    C1 Advanced American English Sport

    in sports like baseball or basketball, the act of taking the ball or a base from the other team.

    a statistic recording the successful taking of a base in baseball or the legal interception of the ball in basketball.

    Example

    The player led the league in steals this season because of his incredible speed.

    Example

    The point guard's ability to anticipate passes resulted in three crucial steals during the final quarter of the championship game.

Last updated June 20, 2026