mugger

1 of 3

noun (1)

mug·​ger ˈmə-gər How to pronounce mugger (audio)
: a usually harmless freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) of the Indian subcontinent with a broad heavy snout

mugger

2 of 3

noun (2)

: one who attacks with intent to rob

mugger

3 of 3

noun (3)

: one that grimaces especially before an audience

Examples of mugger in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Occasionally, the mugger asked his victims questions to size them up, according to the NYPD. Christina Coulter, Fox News, 14 Jan. 2025 Cops publicly released the image of the alleged mugger late Wednesday, asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2025 Police have arrested the brazen mugger who attacked a Hell’s Kitchen food cart vendor, knocking out several of the victim’s teeth before robbing him of thousands of dollars, police said Friday. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2025 In an instant, United had turned defence into attack — like the meme of the old man who is bent over in apparent pain when threatened by a knife-carrying mugger. Laurie Whitwell, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025 On Friday, cops pulled over a mugger who allegedly stole a bag from a man at Baychester and Bartow Aves. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 30 Nov. 2024 Leopards are notoriously elusive, but this is the single best place to try and see one, as well as sloth bears, water buffalo, mugger crocodiles, and gray langurs. Niall Causer, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2024 Eddie quickly discovers that he was lured into the vehicle by William (Anthony Hopkins), the car's wealthy sociopathic owner who tortures criminals (and mocks them over the car's phone) after a life-changing encounter with muggers. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025 During the fight in the elevator, the teens dropped the gun, but managed to scoop it up as the father and son forced the muggers to the opposite end of the hallway from their apartment and through a stairwell door, prosecutors said. Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Hindi & Urdu magar, from Sanskrit makara water monster

Noun (2)

mug entry 3

Noun (3)

mug entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1844, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1863, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mugger was in 1844

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Cite this Entry

“Mugger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mugger. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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