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

• larceny
• stealing
• theft
• thievery

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

From the start, police ruled out robbery as a motive—nothing had been taken. —Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 30 May 2025

Instead, investigators suspect the letter was intended to benefit a separate individual who is currently awaiting trial in a robbery and assault case in which Reyes is a victim. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 29 May 2025

Boise police arrested two men from Texas on Wednesday who are suspected of being involved in at least 195 robberies at Ulta Beauty stores nationwide. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 29 May 2025

Rising to fame in the mid-2010s, the Louisiana native has been arrested multiple times since 2014, with charges ranging from robbery and attempted murder to drug and firearm offenses. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 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