robbery

noun

rob·​bery ˈrä-b(ə-)rē How to pronounce robbery (audio)
plural robberies
: the act or practice of robbing
specifically : larceny from the person or presence of another by violence or threat

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sacramento County sheriff’s deputies on Wednesday afternoon were looking for suspects involved in an apparent smash-and-grab style robbery at a jewelry store in Arden Arcade. Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2025 He was later arrested there following a robbery spree. Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Shootings, robberies and burglaries all fell last year, according to the latest data from police. Sarah Nelson, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 Her subsequent revenge looks as fun and swift as the most righteous robbery. Literary Hub july 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for robbery

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of robbery was in the 13th century

Cite this Entry

“Robbery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/robbery. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

robbery

noun
rob·​bery ˈräb-(ə-)rē How to pronounce robbery (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on robbery

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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