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

My friends at Sports Info Solutions have been tracking home-run robberies since 2004. — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

The sentencing by Judge Jessica Green followed Trabue's Alford plea in July to reduced charges of second-degree manslaughter and one count of criminal facilitation of robbery. — Monroe Trombly, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Sep. 2026

The film’s central robbery sequence was in fact based on a real 1899 burglary that occurred in France. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026

Continue reading … HOLIDAY HAZARD — Travelers warned of drink-spiking robberies and kidnappings at vacation hot spot. — FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 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