Culprit
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈkʌlpɹɪt/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Culprit is a noun meaning The person or thing at fault for a problem or crime.
Meaning
The person or thing at fault for a problem or crime.
More Meanings
- (UK, law) A prisoner accused but not yet tried.
Example Sentences
I have tightened the loose bolt that was the culprit; it should work now.
But the Dutch dominated only to waste numerous efforts, with Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie the main culprits.
Railway police are making a full investigation into the matter, and the headmasters of schools have been approached, but it is difficult in such cases to discover the culprits, unless they are caught red-handed.
Another sits beneath the purple canopy—a lady, but alone. The diadem is on her cold and haughty brow; there is no pity in her stern aspect, and the smile on her lip bodes death. Before her stands the lovely culprit, whose fatal beauty, and still more fatal love, are about to be dearly requited.
Word Forms
- culprits
Synonyms for culprit
Depending on context, synonyms include perpetrator.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include perpetrator, guilty, scapegoating, wrongdoer, guilt, offender.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.