vandalism
noun
van·dal·ism
ˈvan-də-ˌli-zəm 
: willful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property
Examples of vandalism in a Sentence
acts of theft and vandalism
He was arrested for vandalism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Just as the trial for Samuel Patrick Groft was about to kick off, the 45-year-old instead pleaded no contest Wednesday to a slew of vandalism charges stemming from the seven-day slashing rampage.
—
Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
The vandalism is being investigated by the NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force.
—Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 12 Feb. 2026
Burglary numbers are down, as are vandalism.
—Ashley Grams, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
In the past, friction with Japan and the United States has led to calls for mass boycotts, protests in the streets or even vandalism on embassies or restaurants.
—Chan Ho-Him, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vandalism
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Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
The vandalism is being investigated by the NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force.
—Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 12 Feb. 2026
Burglary numbers are down, as are vandalism.
—Ashley Grams, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
In the past, friction with Japan and the United States has led to calls for mass boycotts, protests in the streets or even vandalism on embassies or restaurants.
—Chan Ho-Him, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vandalism
Cite this Entry
“Vandalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vandalism. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
vandalism
noun
van·dal·ism
ˈvan-dᵊl-ˌiz-əm
: intentional destruction or damage to property
Legal Definition
vandalism
noun
van·dal·ism
ˈvand-ᵊl-ˌi-zəm
: the willful or malicious destruction or defacement of property
insurance covering property damage from vandalism and malicious mischief
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