1 larcenies | Definition of larcenies
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

larceny

noun
lar·​ce·​ny | \ ˈlär-snē How to pronounce larceny (audio) , ˈlär-sə-ni\
plural larcenies

Definition of larceny

: the unlawful taking of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it permanently was arrested and charged with larceny
Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about larceny

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms for larceny

Synonyms

robbery, stealing, theft, thievery

Visit the Thesaurus for More 

Examples of larceny in a Sentence

He was arrested and charged with larceny. He has been accused of several larcenies.

Recent Examples on the Web

 Machorro-Rojas apparently returned to Norwalk in the years since and was arrested May 31 and charged with third-degree burglary, third-degree larceny, risk of injury, breach of peace and resisting arrest, according to court records. — Zach Murdock, courant.com, "Mexican national deported 5 times charged with illegally returning to Norwalk again," 27 Aug. 2019 He also is charged with lesser embezzlement counts, larceny, and tampering. — Washington Post, "Former New Mexico AD indicted on embezzlement charges," 21 Aug. 2019 In August 2018, the sisters were charged with larceny. — Sarah Schweitzer, The Atlantic, "The Lunch Ladies of New Canaan," 15 Aug. 2019 On Friday, Torre Jenkins , 45, was arraigned on charges of breaking and entering a motor vehicle and attempted larceny of a motor vehicle. — Laura Crimaldi, BostonGlobe.com, "Boston police arrest 16 around ‘Methadone Mile’," 3 Aug. 2019 Police said Aniyah Booker, 18, of Hamden, Conn., faces two misdemeanor larceny charges for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from locker rooms at the Westchester County Center, where the New York Streets play. — Jenna West, SI.com, "Connecticut Woman Arrested for Thefts at New York Arena Football Games," 26 July 2019 Jonathan Rivera, 25, was at the Hartford Superior Court to appear before a judge on a charge of first-degree larceny and tampering with a motor vehicle in February. — Amy Lieu, Fox News, "Connecticut man facing stolen car charge drives stolen car to court: cops," 8 Mar. 2018 D'Jerry Cassamajor faces several charges, including larceny of a motor vehicle, child abuse and kidnapping. — Dashawn Brown, ajc, "Man arrested after stealing idling car with toddler inside," 19 Jan. 2018 He is being held on a $151,000 bond on multiple charges including larceny, possession of a weapon of mass destruction and mephedrone possession, the Sampson County Sheriff's Office said in a press release. — NBC News, "2 North Carolina bomb squad agents injured in blast while trying to destroy bomb-making materials," 26 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'larceny.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of larceny

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for larceny

Middle English, from Anglo-French larecin theft, from Latin latrocinium robbery, from latron-, latro mercenary soldier, probably from Greek *latrōn, from latron pay

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for larceny

larceny

noun
How to pronounce larceny (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of larceny

law : the act of stealing something

See the full definition for larceny in the English Language Learners Dictionary

larceny

noun
lar·​ce·​ny | \ ˈlär-sə-nē How to pronounce larceny (audio) \
plural larcenies

Kids Definition of larceny

: the unlawful taking of personal property without the owner's consent : theft

larceny

noun
lar·​ce·​ny | \ ˈlär-sə-nē How to pronounce larceny (audio) \
plural larcenies

Legal Definition of larceny

: the unlawful taking and carrying away of personal property with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of it permanently also : any of several types of theft (as embezzlement or obtaining another's property by false pretenses) that have been traditionally distinguished from larceny

Note: Under the Model Penal Code and in states that follow it, larceny is a type of theft. In states where larceny is currently defined as a separate crime, it may include the crimes that were distinct from it under common law.

— grand larceny
: felonious larceny of property having a value greater than an amount fixed by law also : larceny accompanied by aggravating circumstances (as the use of threats)
— larceny by trick
: larceny of property obtained by the use of misrepresentation especially in getting an owner to hand over something in the belief that it is for temporary purposes — compare false pretenses
— larceny from the person
: larceny of property held by or within the immediate control of its owner
— petit larceny \ ˈpe-​tē-​ \
: larceny of property having a market value below an amount fixed by law

— called also petty larceny

Note: Petit larceny is a misdemeanor.

History and Etymology for larceny

modification of Anglo-French larcine theft, from Old French larrecin, from Latin latrocinium robbery, from latron- latro mercenary soldier, brigand

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on larceny

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for larceny

Spanish Central: Translation of larceny

Nglish: Translation of larceny for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of larceny for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about larceny

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!