A misdemeanor is a minor offense, rather than a serious crime. A minor infraction like keeping a library book for years or stealing a pack of bubblegum would be considered a misdemeanor.

A crime like murder is serious, a felony that can land the person who commits it in jail for a long time. A misdemeanor, on the other hand, is a far less serious offense. Commit a misdemeanor such as petty theft, and you might not get more than a slap on the wrist.

Definitions of misdemeanor

n a crime less serious than a felony

infraction, infringement, misdemeanour, violation
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breach of the peace, disorderly behavior, disorderly conduct, disturbance of the peace
false pretence, false pretense
(law) an offense involving intent to defraud and false representation and obtaining property as a result of that misrepresentation
indecent exposure, public nudity
vulgar and offensive nakedness in a public place
bearing false witness, lying under oath, perjury
criminal offense of making false statements under oath
Type of:
crime, criminal offence, criminal offense, law-breaking, offence, offense