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 Football legends such as Charlie Ward, Travis Hunter and Eric Berry headline a distinguished legacy that continues in 2026. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026 The series debuted with Angel City FC co-founder Julie Uhrman, with upcoming episodes featuring Olympic legend Allyson Felix and Always Alpha co-founder Cosette Chaput, followed by Los Angeles Sparks president Stacy Johns. — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Over the course of his career, Tom Petty’s voice blended beautifully with Stevie Nicks, Heartbreakers bassist Howie Epstein, and the other rock legends in the Traveling Wilburys. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 7 Aug. 2026 Grown Ups 3 is also getting another cameo from NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, who will once again play Officer Fluzoo, a bumbling local police officer. — Emma Banks, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 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
  • That's because when the stakes are high, and the actors begin to cry, the serious tone begs to be subverted by a humorous caption.
    — Owen Carry, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Seating in every space, step-free routes documented before anyone asks, quiet rooms, captions on, parking that works.
    — Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of caption
Noun
  • Drawing on lessons from a successful telecom infrastructure acquisition, this article explores three common myths founders should reconsider when preparing their businesses for a potential exit.
    — Amit Jain, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The lunar program, for example, is named for the goddess Chang’e, described in a 4,000-year-old myth, who is celebrated each year at the Mid-Autumn Festival.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of myth
Noun
  • Day two kicks off with a Gyeongbokgung Palace tour to understand the Korean folklore behind mythological creatures with parallels to the movie’s evil boy band, Saja Boys.
    — Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Much of Tulu literature and folklore has been preserved through oral tradition, especially epic ballads called paddanas.
    — Andrew Pereira, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of folklore
Noun
  • The haunting 56-second clip begins with a theater curtain opening to reveal a nearly empty stage with just a piano and the C key playing repeatedly by itself.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Once a website sets a session cookie, the visiting browser must send a form of the cookie that’s signed with the key stored in the silicon.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of key
Noun
  • Likewise, Schoenbrun specializes in zeitgeisty fables about 21st century isolation.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Here is the rather randy first trailer for Wicker, the comedic fable starring Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård and Peter Dinklage that debuted at Sundance in January.
    — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 30 July 2026
Definition of fable
Noun
  • For the past month, the women of Christopher Nolan’s adaptation have used the red carpet and other press events to interpret the mood and mythology of the film in different, yet cohesive, ways.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Standing amid the ruins of the villa and grotto, you might be overwhelmed by the ancient mythology that electrifies the air here.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of mythology
Noun
  • Overall, Orlando is 7-10-2 with 23 points and entered the evening 10th in the table.
    — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The original bones of the spa house remain—a stunning indoor pool and jacuzzi room, and a chef’s table for private dinner and a sitting room.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of table
Noun
  • The backstory L’Auberge Carmel, a Relais & Châteaux property, was built in 1929 as a commission for Allen Knight, an adventurer and author, as a way to bring together the artistic spirit of Carmel-by-the-Sea and European traditions.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The genre benefits immensely not just from a vibrant game development culture but also from an even older tradition of complex martial arts and impeccable animation.
    — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 11 Aug. 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 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on legend

Nglish: Translation of legend for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about legend

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