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

Victims of gun violence, police violence, robberies, and addictions walk the streets outside, repeating their last movements, behaviors, and desires. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2026

He was arrested later that day after the robbery and was released with non-monetary conditions after pleading not guilty. — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 24 Sep. 2026

And underneath the family tensions, robberies and shifting allegiances, Gurrea kept returning to one idea. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026

Additional evidence was seized, further linking Hailey to the robberies. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 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