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

Wilcox has a prior criminal history that includes convictions in Nebraska for Hobbs Act robbery, use of a weapon during a violent crime, and the armed robbery of an armored car, as well as convictions for bank robbery in Iowa and various other financial offenses, according to court documents. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2026

Keith Brown, 58, was charged with first-degree murder, three counts of first-degree robbery and several other crimes, local Fox affiliate KTVI reported. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026

The last major character is Ormon (Barry Keoghan), the thug hired by Nolte’s Money to terrorize his former protégé, and to make sure that any robbery ends with the money in the correct pocket (his). —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 11 Feb. 2026

Kelly is a folk hero who committed murders and robberies in the late nineteenth century. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 11 Feb. 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