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

Two bank employees were shot and killed during a robbery at a Kentucky bank on Thursday and police are still on the hunt for the suspect. —Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026

Federal prosecutors have alleged that after escaping, the home invaders met up with Isaiah Dukes, Khiell Dukes, Ramsey and other co-conspirators, who checked to ensure all the proceeds from the robbery were collected. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026

Court documents show Weaver has been charged with armed bank robbery, use/discharge of a firearm in a crime of violence and causing death with firearm in the course of a violation. —Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 1 May 2026

Four of the robberies targeted two gas stations and involved an individual who was armed with a knife, McKay said. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 1 May 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