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

In less than a year, at least 10 such train heists in California and Arizona have netted about $2 million worth of Nike shoes, USA TODAY confirmed in February after the Los Angeles Times first reported the string of robberies. —Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025

Police said the robbery remains an open and active investigation. —Megan Forrester, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2025

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call the Police Department’s detective bureau at 916-478-8043 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at 916-443-4357. —Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Brownlee was arrested shortly after the May 21 robbery and police seized items used in the robberies and two firearms, including the one Brownlee purchased to rob the jewelry store, officials said. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Mar. 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