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

Forhan, who was the initial victim of the robbery, has been charged with firing a missile into a building and culpable negligence for inflicting harm. —Joan Murray, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026

Set during the Song Dynasty, the film stars Liu Fengchao as Xue Buyi, a disciplined but rigid constable who becomes the target of a conspiracy after being framed for a robbery. —Faye Bradley, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026

Hall isn’t allowed to have a gun because of a 2024 robbery conviction, according to the criminal complaint. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026

In 2022, the rapper was arrested and later charged with first-degree rape, simple robbery, domestic-abuse battery, and false imprisonment. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2026

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