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

However, his criminal past and a final robbery threaten to destroy his chance at redemption. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 25 June 2025

Rancho police said the robbery took place at roughly 8:30 p.m. on Moraine Circle. —Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2025

The suspect took a seat in the lounge area of the bank after committing the robbery, according to police. —Jason Green, Mercury News, 25 June 2025

Besides the 28% dip in overall crime, cops have seen a 48% drop in burglaries, a 28% fall in felony assaults and a 27% reduction in robberies, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. —Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 24 June 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