robin

noun

rob·​in ˈrä-bən How to pronounce robin (audio)
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
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.
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 See All Example Sentences for robin

Word History

Etymology

akin to Dutch dialect robijntje linnet, Frisian robyntsje

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of robin was circa 1550

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Robin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/robin. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

robin

noun
rob·​in ˈräb-ən How to pronounce robin (audio)
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

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