robbery

noun

rob·​bery ˈrä-b(ə-)rē How to pronounce robbery (audio)
plural robberies
Synonyms of robberynext
: the act or practice of robbing
specifically : larceny from the person or presence of another by violence or threat

Synonyms of robbery

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What began as a robbery investigation turned into a complex homicide case when officers arrived to find a car crash with one person fatally shot, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 2 Aug. 2026 An 18-year-old man is facing felony charges in connection with the beating and robbery of a 15-year-old boy at an Oakland apartment complex in late June, prosecutors said. — Jason Green, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026 According to court records, 18-year-old Haeli Smith, 21-year-old Georgio Sparks and 18-year-old Mason Card all face first-degree robbery. — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026 None of the victims in the robbery were injured, and no deputies were hurt. — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for robbery

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of robbery was in the 12th century

Phrases Containing robbery

Rhymes for robbery

See All Rhymes for robbery

Browse Nearby Words

robbers' roost
robbery
robbery insurance
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Cite this Entry

“Robbery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/robbery. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

robbery

noun
rob·​bery ˈräb-(ə-)rē How to pronounce robbery (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on robbery

Nglish: Translation of robbery for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about robbery

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