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

Eastern bluebirds, American robins, cedar waxwings, and woodpeckers eat the berries, often late in the season. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2025

Infantino pulled balls representing individual nations out of four pots holding 12 balls each to form the round robin groups that countries will compete within the first leg of the competition. —Mason Leath, ABC News, 5 Dec. 2025

When the kestrels were flying nearby, robins, grackles, and starlings were much less likely to visit orchards and eat fruit. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 27 Nov. 2025

The nocturnal creatures are only about 10 inches tall - about the size of a robin, according to the National Audubon Society. —Neal Riley, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025

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