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

• 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

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

Word History

First Known Use

13th 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