noun
misdemeanor
mihs-dih-MEE-nuh
noun
1
A minor criminal offence, less serious than a felony and usually punished with a fine or short sentence.
"Shoplifting a candy bar was charged as a misdemeanor rather than a felony."
How to Use Misdemeanor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small-scale crime, less serious than a felony.
UK vs US
Mainly an American legal term; British English usually just says "minor offence."
Common pairings
a misdemeanor charge
convicted of a misdemeanor
Word Forms
misdemeanors plural
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Shoplifting a candy bar was charged as a _____ rather than a felony.
Etymology
From mis- + demeanor.