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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 There are legends in every game — football, basketball, soccer — but in tennis, the acronym GOAT (greatest of all time) might feel most fitting. — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2026 Sports legend LeBron James speaking at the CNBC Game Plan Summit in New York City on July 16, 2026. — Lillian Rizzo,jessica Golden, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026 And so the two came together, that’s where the legend of Robin Hood began, and this is a movie set against that. — Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026 The most crowded area could be found in the Lower Lot, where Universal paid homage to music legend Ozzy Osbourne. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 4 Sep. 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
  • Heather wrote in her caption, before detailing their entire trip’s itinerary.
    — Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Howard wrote in the caption of the post announcing his signing.
    — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of caption
Noun
  • Berlinger maintained Manson's reputation as an evil mastermind was fueled more by myth than reality.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • By the time of publication, the myth had overtaken the analytics.
    — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of myth
Noun
  • The six-room exhibition — featuring Makó’s signature approach within the world of Hungarian folklore and childhood memories — transforms fashion imagery and explores the world of identity, individuality and self-expression.
    — Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Other than the occasional barks from her dog, who doesn’t appreciate being locked away for guests, the witch’s home is peaceful and a far cry from the dank, dark cottages often found in folklore.
    — Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of folklore
Noun
  • So the first question was whether a single party should ever hold a complete key, and therefore complete control over a client’s assets.
    — Sergey Stopnevich, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Given how shaky the defence looks, unlocking the attack will surely be the key in the derby.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026
Definition of key
Noun
  • Is the morality fable at the end an allegory of purgatory or hell?
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Is Ancestors, the directorial feature debut of The Lodgers and The Winter Lake writer David Turpin, a love story, a noir mystery or a metaphysical fable?
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of fable
Noun
  • But while Jumbo’s has garnered a mythology as a magnet for filmmakers, writers and musicians who collect impressions, the dive’s dancers have shifted from being the subject to the artists.
    — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Popular mythology still conjures images of publicists managing red carpets and exclusive guest lists.
    — Julia Ruttner, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of mythology
Noun
  • There will also be a king bed, a television, and a small sitting area—two chairs and a bistro table—by the window.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
  • My brother looks at the floor, mumbles something, and then shuffles away from the table.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of table
Noun
  • The young royal’s enrollment marked a departure from years of tradition, replacing Scottish boarding school Gordonstoun with an institution that was closer to Princess Diana and then-Prince Charles.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • In August, Prince Alois announced a change to royal succession rules to allow women to ascend the throne on equal terms with men, breaking with three centuries of dynastic tradition.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 8 Sep. 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 18 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on legend

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about legend

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