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

Johnson, who is currently on parole for robbery until 2027, has an extensive criminal record that includes a whopping 131 arrests since he was first busted for a Bronx assault in 1995, cops said. —Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026

In 2001, Jeremy Puckett was charged with murder and robbery in the 1998 homicide of Anthony Galati, who was found dead along White Rock Road in eastern Sacramento County. —Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 4 Mar. 2026

In his decision, Mendonça said Vorcaro planned on staging a robbery or simulating a similar scenario to violently harm a journalist, whose name is redacted. —ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026

Kearse was initially convicted of first-degree murder and robbery with a firearm and sentenced to death in 1991. —Freida Frisaro, Sun Sentinel, 3 Mar. 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