thief
n. countable A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈθif// UK //θˈiːf// thief
n. a person who steals something from another person or place. You use this word for someone who takes things secretly without using violence.
n. a person who steals another person's property, typically without the use of force or violence. Often distinguished from a robber or burglar in legal contexts.
The thief stole a bicycle from the garden.
A clever thief managed to take the expensive painting while the security guards were changing shifts.
The police believe the thief had inside information about the building's layout, as they bypassed the alarm system without leaving any physical evidence behind.
Usage
The plural form is 'thieves'.
Pitfall
The thiefs ran away.The thieves ran away.Nouns ending in -f often change to -ves in the plural form.