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

Fiapoto is only the latest Tre-4 member to face serious charges in Contra Costa, where five members and associates were sent to prison last year for a series of jewelry robberies, including one that resulted in a homicide in Lafayette. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026

Chaos erupts when a bank robbery hits an otherwise unassuming town, exposing secrets the mayor (Odenkirk's real-life friend Henry Winkler) and others have hidden from Ulysses. —Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026

The indictment, which was returned by a grand jury in Bridgeport on March 18, charges Richardson and Rivera with interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery), which carries a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026

Residents came home and caught the burglars halfway through the robbery, and one suffered minor injuries trying to confront the burglar, ABC7 reported. —City News Service, Daily News, 17 Apr. 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