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 In the studio, Pemberton wasn’t afraid to put some pressure on a rock legend. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2026 Formula 1’s engineering legend Adrian Newey did some moonlighting from his job on the Red Bull Formula 1 team to help design its otherworldly countenance designed for maximum aerodynamic performance. — Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2026 At 23 years and 134 days, the record is currently held by Red Bull legend Sebastian Vettel. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026 But perhaps that’s just a tradeoff that comes with being a legend. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 30 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
  • 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
  • Connecticut taxpayers should not be expected to pony up more money to support the myth that UConn football needs a facility like the Big 10 teams.
    — Letters to the Editor, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Importantly, myths and legends are not simply false narratives.
    — Jeffrey Tolbert, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of myth
Noun
  • Polish artist and designer Sonia Górecka often turns to folklore for her ethereal textile creations, mixing and matching traditional pagan figures and motifs on sheer curtains and colorful hanging jacquard weavings.
    — Francesca Perry, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The new arts center is also helping the district broaden its cultural horizons, according to Maria Macias, whose Mexican folklore dancing classes will benefit from it.
    — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 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
  • For those in-between moments, Coa&Co Café opens onto a sprawling lounge with communal tables and couches.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
  • On each table, a card introduces one of the trainees with a short quote—her name, her country of origin, and a reflection on what cooking here represents.
    — Jessica Jungbauer, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of table
Noun
  • New York landing Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker — who has emerged as the draft’s top quarterback prospect — would be a painful blow to Miami, though the Jets have a long tradition of screwing up young QBs.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
  • There is also concrete poetry—writing arranged in images or geometric forms—a tradition that can be traced to ancient instances of shaped poetry.
    — Alec Mapes-Frances, Artforum, 1 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 4 Nov. 2026.

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