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

The unusual robin, seen in Riverview Park, has partial leucism, a phrase that’s sometimes used interchangeably with piebaldism, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2025

Attendees can introduce themselves during a round robin and may listen to a guest speaker. —Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025

Spring Munchkins Bucket The new Dunkin’ Munchkins bucket is fittingly a robin’s egg blue and has a festive bunny and Easter egg graphic. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025

The classic flat features a stylish, adjustable buckle and comes in both leather and sleek satin finishes in a variety of classic and unexpected hues, like golden yellow, tutu pink, and robin blue. —Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 1 May 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