Word
thieves
US/ˈθivz/
UK/θˈiːvz/
Countable noun
Definition
n. more than one person who steals things from others.
n. the irregular plural form of 'thief', referring to multiple individuals who take property without permission.
Examples
“The thieves stole several expensive watches from the store.”
“Police believe the thieves entered the building through a small window in the basement during the night.”
“Art thieves often target private collections because the security measures are less sophisticated than those found in national museums, making the high-value pieces easier to transport and sell.”
Examples
simple
“The thieves stole several expensive watches from the store.”
contextual
“Police believe the thieves entered the building through a small window in the basement during the night.”
complex
“Art thieves often target private collections because the security measures are less sophisticated than those found in national museums, making the high-value pieces easier to transport and sell.”
Usage
The plural form is irregular and follows the f-to-v pattern.
Pitfall
The thiefs stole my bicycle.
The thieves stole my bicycle.
The plural of 'thief' is irregular; you must change the 'f' to 'v' and add 'es'.
Synonyms
Idioms
01. thick as thieves
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/thieves