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

When fruiting, these trees attract cardinals, robins, waxwings, and many other songbirds. —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2026

From robins to blue jays, bird enthusiasts took part in a global effort to collect data and create a real-time snapshot of bird populations around the world. —CBS News, 15 Feb. 2026

Saturday Winter Olympics daily news Ski jumping and freestyle skiing get underway today, as curling continues in the women’s round robin. —The Athletic Live Team, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026

Round robin presentation of Leica range finder, Fujifilm medium format, and Nikon Z9 cameras. —Staff Report, Baltimore Sun, 4 Feb. 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