legend

noun

ˈle-jənd How to pronounce legend (audio)
Definition of legendnext
1
as in caption
an explanatory list of the symbols on a map or chart the legend indicated that a large circle represented a major city, while a small circle stood for a small town

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2
as in translation
an explanation or description accompanying a pictorial illustration the legend in the science textbook indicated that the accompanying picture had been enlarged by 1000%

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3
as in myth
a traditional but unfounded story that gives the reason for a current custom, belief, or fact of nature some ancient civilizations had legends about spirits that inhabited trees and rocks

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4
as in folklore
the body of customs, beliefs, stories, and sayings associated with a people, thing, or place that story of how the world came to be has long been part of Native American legend

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of legend The announcement came as part of Paramount+’s Star Trek panel at New York Comic Con on Saturday, which featured a conversation with the series cast and creative team, as well as a Q&A between Star Trek legend William Shatner and Ben Stiller. — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026 In 2014, Texas oil legend Scott Sheffield joined the board of Aussie natural gas player Santos. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026 Why, after centuries, writers, filmmakers, and artists are still captivated by Arthurian legend. — Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026 Visit The Bizarre Bazaar for a tribute to the legend of the Headless Horseman. — Michelle Mastro, Midwest Living, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legend
  1. caption
  2. myth
  3. folklore
  4. key
  5. fable
  6. mythology
  7. table
  8. tradition
Noun
  • Meanwhile, on Snapchat, the top three luxury brands mentioned in public captions between August 1 and September 10, were Gucci, Dior, and Prada.
    — Amy Francombe, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The caption goes further The ad’s punch line ties directly to the film’s themes.
    — Andrew McGowan, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of caption
Noun
  • Best Bedroom Furniture Deals Yes, high-quality, affordable bedroom furniture is not a myth.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Nalla Roberts has been fascinated with tales like this for years, growing obsessed with Greek myths in her childhood.
    — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of myth
Noun
  • Set on the island of Cyprus in 1882, the film blends horror and folklore and revolves around Eleni, an outcast painter whose three children die in a freak accident.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The film fuses horror and crime with Hong Kong spiritual folklore, and is aimed at fans of midnight movies and cult cinema.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of folklore
Noun
  • Turang said the key is what happens when they are faced with adversity — like Sunday night.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
  • An attention head compares each word’s query with the keys of all the other words in the sentence.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of key
Noun
  • Using a fable-like tone, the film provides a fresh perspective on the G8 violence that became a watershed moment in the anti-globalization movement.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Ajon [Singh] talked a lot about that fable of the two wolves.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of fable
Noun
  • Taking a cue from Dante himself, Curci also borrowed motifs from popular mythology.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In mythology, a centaur is a composite creature with the head, arms and torso of a human joined to the body and legs of a horse.
    — Alexandra J. Zanela, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of mythology
Noun
  • The 6,600-square-foot 5-bedroom residence sleeps 10 and is outfitted with a massive living room with 2 televisions, a pool table, and a record player.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Suddenly, the entire table erupts, simultaneously talking over one another about who said what at what time to whom.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of table
Noun
  • Spending time together brings out their humor and fighting spirit, alongside emotional stories and traditions passed down through generations.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Holliday & Brown brings these two sensibilities together, creating a distinctive offering that combines tradition and creativity.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of tradition

Browse Nearby Words

legations
legend
legendary
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Cite this Entry

“Legend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legend. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on legend

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about legend

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