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

To the surprise of her robbery accomplices, who are still behind bars, she gets released. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025

There have been 31 personal strong-arm robberies in 2025, versus 26 in 2024. —Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025

After more than two days of deliberation, the foreperson read the verdict, starting with the charges of special-circumstances murder/robbery. —Joe Garcia, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025

John’s two co-defendants in the robbery, Jafar Neal and Derell Woods, also accepted plea deals for prison sentences of three and eight years, respectively, court records show. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 11 Oct. 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