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 Following in the footsteps of Warriors legend and mentor Brian Lee is not an easy task whatsoever, but with one milestone under his belt, he was thrilled with his group’s performance. — Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 7 Nov. 2026 One reason Old Ripper became a legend was his ability to outthink the farmers and the hunters in our area. — Jack Wingate As Told To John Phillips, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2026 Correspondent Lee Cowan looks back on the history and future of a maritime legend. — David Morgan, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026 Each man wins one round of the fight before it’s broken up, ensuring there’s no clear winner — but the mere fact that Cliff was able to throw a martial arts legend into the side of a car is a feather in his cap. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 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
  • In the post’s caption, Stewart promoted her candle collection.
    — Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The caption added that Rather maintained a birthday tradition by celebrating with key lime pie from one of his Austin favorites, Headliner’s Club.
    — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of caption
Noun
  • For a young country, the United States is overblessed – or burdened – with myths about its foundation and how the nation has conducted itself at home and abroad.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The company said much of India’s mainstream horror keeps returning to the same supernatural staples and predictable beats, even though the country’s myths, folk tales and local beliefs offer far richer material.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of myth
Noun
  • Sideshow gaffs and American folklore The Feejee Mermaid on display at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and owned by the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, may or may not be the one shown by Barnum.
    — Jack Daly, The Conversation, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Whether rooted in folklore, spiritual traditions, or the surreal, the ghostly often becomes another way of telling the truth.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of folklore
Noun
  • But the key for the program to reach the second weekend of the tournament might be Texas Tech transfer center Luke Bamgboye.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Nov. 2026
  • What was the key for you about going beyond the joke or the story in that particular part of your special?
    — Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of key
Noun
  • Perhaps Bernal, a brilliant scientist whose work with x-ray crystallography led to crucial innovations in the field, was merely engaging in a futuristic fable.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The show’s title is inspired by the fable that the Nile springs from the Moon Mountains, an undefined range south of the country.
    — Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of fable
Noun
  • According to Greek mythology, every nine years Athens had to send fourteen young people to the Minotaur’s labyrinth, in Crete, where they were devoured as sacrificial victims.
    — Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
  • This year’s Ladurée holiday designs, created by Merle, draw inspiration from Louis XIV, Jean Cocteau and Georges Braque, with nature, mythology and architecture coming together.
    — Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of mythology
Noun
  • There's one room with two massage tables, and a few standard offerings (Swedish, hot stone, etc).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Use the table below to look through every 2026 Senate race compared to the 2024 presidential race margins.
    — Grace Manthey, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of table
Noun
  • This week, San Francisco City Hall hosted its inaugural Diwali celebration, with Mayor Daniel Lurie welcoming the holiday and the community's traditions into the civic space.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The entry hall demonstrates how this home honors architectural tradition.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 8 Nov. 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 9 Nov. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about legend

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