robbery

noun

rob·​bery ˈrä-b(ə-)rē 

plural robberies

: the act or practice of robbing

specifically : larceny from the person or presence of another by violence or threat

Synonyms of robbery

• stealing
• theft

Examples of robbery in a Sentence

a series of armed robberies

They foiled a bank robbery.

He is charged with attempted robbery.

She was arrested for robbery.

Recent Examples on the Web

According to records, Martínez faced robbery charges in the US, pleaded guilty, and was released on bail before being arrested and sent to a Salvadoran prison. —Rocio Muñoz-Ledo, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2025

Dphrepaulezz was booked on suspicion of robbery and battery resulting in injury. —Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2025

Sandles is accused of entering the auto sales office and shooting and killing Marvan Batoo, 40, of Shelby Township, and Ghaith Baban, 48, of Clinton Township, during a robbery, according to a prior news release. —Christina Hall, Freep.com, 11 Nov. 2025

Federal officials also told Fox News that Gatica was arrested in 2011 on a robbery charge in Orange County but later pleaded to grand theft as part of a plea deal. —Greg Wehner , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 10 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing robbery

• armed robbery
• highway robbery

Rhymes for robbery

• jobbery
• snobbery

Kids Definition

robbery

noun

rob·​bery ˈräb-(ə-)rē 

plural robberies

: the act, practice, or an instance of robbing

Legal Definition

robbery

noun

rob·​bery

plural robberies

: the unlawful taking away of personal property from a person by violence or by threat of violence that causes fear : larceny from the person or immediate presence of another by violence or threat of violence and with intent to steal

— aggravated robbery

: robbery committed with aggravating factors (as use of a weapon, infliction of bodily injury, or use of an accomplice)

— armed robbery

: robbery committed by a person armed with a dangerous or deadly weapon

— simple robbery

: robbery that does not involve any aggravating factors

Etymology

Anglo-French robberie, roberie, from Old French, from rober to take something away from a person by force