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

In November 1994, he was shot multiple times during a robbery in the lobby of Quad Recording Studios in Manhattan. — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Crime, courts and policing A man falsely imprisoned for 18 years was exonerated of an Orange County robbery. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Anna goes to see Bethany to find out why Manny had a bag full of cash that can be traced back to the previous robberies. — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Bagwell pleaded no contest to robbery and in March was sentenced to three years in state prison, records show. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 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