What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
burglar
Example
The burglar broke into the house through a window and stole valuable jewelry. [burglar: noun]
Example
The police arrested the burglar as he was attempting to flee the scene. [burglar: noun]
housebreaker
Example
The housebreaker was caught red-handed by the homeowner and was immediately reported to the police. [housebreaker: noun]
Example
The neighborhood has been experiencing a series of break-ins by housebreakers. [housebreakers: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Burglar is more commonly used than housebreaker in everyday language. Burglar is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while housebreaker is less common and may be used in specific contexts or in literature.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between burglar and housebreaker?
While burglar is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, housebreaker may be perceived as more formal or literary.
