saboteur

noun

sab·​o·​teur ˌsa-bə-ˈtər How to pronounce saboteur (audio)
-ˈtu̇r,
-ˈtyu̇r
: one that practices sabotage

Examples of saboteur in a Sentence

The car's tires were slashed by saboteurs.
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.
Canada provided refuge and sustenance to Confederate saboteurs and spies during our Civil War. Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025 By acknowledging the legitimate concerns driving resistance, providing high-quality tools, nurturing AI champions, and clearly communicating about AI, marketing leaders can turn potential saboteurs into enthusiastic adopters. Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 Doug Gordon, a Democratic strategist, said the image of Musk as a government saboteur is a potent one. Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025 Events turn dangerous when the mission is disrupted by an unknown saboteur. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for saboteur

Word History

Etymology

French, from saboter

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of saboteur was in 1921

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Saboteur.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saboteur. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

saboteur

noun
sab·​o·​teur ˌsab-ə-ˈtər How to pronounce saboteur (audio)
-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r
: a person who performs sabotage

More from Merriam-Webster on saboteur

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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