shoplift

verb

shop·​lift ˈshäp-ˌlift How to pronounce shoplift (audio)
shoplifted; shoplifting; shoplifts
Synonyms of shopliftnext

intransitive verb

: to steal displayed goods from a store

transitive verb

: to steal (displayed goods) from a store

Examples of shoplift in a Sentence

The manager saw the kids shoplift and called the police. The kids shoplifted candy from the store.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That is not saying that her kids are terrible, lazy, ugly, addicted to TikTok, or caught shoplifting at Brandy Melville. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026 Some of the children were getting into fights at school; others were shoplifting and drinking. — Rachel Aviv, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 Two Ohio men accused of shoplifting from a Kroger were pulled over by Miami Township police on July 27, and one of them, later identified as Kaamil O'Berry, bolted from the car and fled on foot, according to WKRC. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026 Former Sacramento Kings guard Ty Lawson allegedly hurled racial insults at police after being arrested for shoplifting. — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shoplift

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from shoplifter

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of shoplift was in 1756

Rhymes for shoplift

See All Rhymes for shoplift

Browse Nearby Words

shopkeeping
shoplift
shoplifter
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shoplift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shoplift. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

shoplift

verb
shop·​lift -ˌlift How to pronounce shoplift (audio)
: to steal merchandise on display in stores

Legal Definition

shoplift

intransitive verb
shop·​lift ˈshäp-ˌlift How to pronounce shoplift (audio)
: to steal displayed goods from a store

transitive verb

: to steal (displayed goods) from a store

More from Merriam-Webster on shoplift

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for shoplift

Nglish: Translation of shoplift for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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