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pickpocket — a person who steals from other people's pockets, especially in crowded places

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a person who steals from other people's pockets, especially in crowded places

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpɪkˌpɑːkɪt/

Example Sentences

  • The magician used to be a pickpocket before he learned to steal hearts instead of wallets.
  • Always keep your valuables in a secure place when traveling to avoid pickpockets.
  • The pickpocket was so bad at his job that he accidentally returned more money than he stole.

pickpocket

NOUN

[/ˈpɪkˌpɑːkɪt/]

a person who steals from other people's pockets, especially in crowded places

A sneaky pickpocket slips a wallet from a tourist's back pocket in the busy market.
💡 Concept

A sneaky pickpocket slips a wallet from a tourist's back pocket in the busy market.

The pickpocket in the thicket steals the ticket!
🎵 Rhyme

The pickpocket in the thicket steals the ticket!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈpɪkˌpɑːkɪt/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈpɪkˌpɒkɪt/

🌳Etymology

Rootpick + pocket

Origin

Pickpocket emerged in the 16th century from the combination of 'pick' (to take or steal) and 'pocket' (a pouch or bag). The term originally described the act of extracting coins one by one from a victim's pocket.

Breakdown

pick (to take or steal) + pocket (a pouch or garment compartment) = pickpocket (a person who steals from pockets).

🎵Rhyme

ticket
cricket
thicket

🔗Collocations

beware of pickpockets
pickpocket warning
skilled pickpocket
pickpocket gang
fall victim to pickpockets
pickpocket hotspot
amateur pickpocket

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The magician used to be a pickpocket before he learned to steal hearts instead of wallets.”

“Always keep your valuables in a secure place when traveling to avoid pickpockets.”

😄 Fun example

“The pickpocket was so bad at his job that he accidentally returned more money than he stole.”

“Police installed security cameras in areas known for pickpocket activity.”

😄 Fun example

“She was so paranoid about pickpockets that she sewed her pockets shut and forgot where she put her keys.”

📚Related Words

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