robin

noun

rob·​in ˈrä-bən 

plural robins

1

: a large North American thrush (Turdus migratorius) with brownish-gray upperparts, blackish head and tail, black and whitish streaked throat, and dull reddish breast and underparts

called also American robin

2

a

: a small chiefly European Old World flycatcher (Erithacus rubecula) having a brownish-olive back and orangish face and breast

b

: any of various Old World songbirds that are related to or resemble the European robin

Examples of robin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a round robin of insults, Proto blasted the incumbent Democratic senator who first won election in 2022. — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 14 Oct. 2026

Cardinals, mockingbirds, robins and blue jays will all forage for dogwood berries and insects. — Karen Hugg, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026

Today, there are around 350 adult black robins living on two pest-free nature reserve islands, a recovery that helped put New Zealand conservation efforts on the international map. — Adam Pourahmadi, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026

Turdus migratorius means a thrush that migrates, but other thrush species besides robins also migrate. — Sheryl Devore, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

akin to Dutch dialect robijntje linnet, Frisian robyntsje

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing robin

• American robin
• ragged robin
• robin redbreast
• round-robin
• sea robin
• wake-robin

Rhymes for robin

• bobbin
• dobbin
• robbin

Kids Definition

robin

noun

rob·​in ˈräb-ən 

1

: a small European thrush with an orange red face, throat, and breast

2

: a large North American thrush with a grayish back and head and a brick red breast