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

Rodriguez had several prior convictions, including assault with a deadly weapon and second-degree robbery. —Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 25 Nov. 2025

The men, prosecutors said, were part of the four-person team that carried out the robbery. —Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 Nov. 2025

Four people are suspected of carrying out the robbery. —Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 25 Nov. 2025

Three of the suspects detained in October have been charged with organized robbery, with the fourth, a woman, charged with complicity in organized robbery. —Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 25 Nov. 2025

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