robin

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noun rob·in \ ˈrä-bən \

Definition of robin

1 a :a small chiefly European thrush (Erithacus rubecula) resembling a warbler and 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

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

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Recent Examples of robin from the Web

Seeing elephants and giraffes lumber across a dry African landscape — even on TV — was in stark contrast to my suburban wildlife encounters that entailed red robins and gray squirrels hopping across manicured green lawns.

— eric vohr, chicagotribune.com, "Sparsely populated Namibia delivers lots of surprises for safari-goers," 16 Aug. 2017
The inaugural Four Nations Tournament is a round-robin style competition featuring the USA, Australia, Canada and Japan.

— danielle lerner, The Courier-Journal, "UofL's Asia Durr named to USA Basketball U-23 team, will compete in Tokyo in August," 4 Aug. 2017
In addition to lab tests, signs of the virus are sick or dying crows, blue jays, robins and other perching birds, the county health department said in the release.

— susan demar lafferty, Daily Southtown, "Crete man is state's first West Nile victim," 21 July 2017
For Hinsdale, the victory over neighboring Clarendon Hills meant a 4-0 run in the district tournament and a spot in the four-team, round-robin sub-state tournament, which begins at 11 a.m. Saturday in Alsip and continues through Monday.

— chuck fieldman, chicagotribune.com, "Hinsdale defeats Clarendon Hills in Little League title game," 18 July 2017
On July 10, the team defeated Rocky Hill by a score of 9-6, to claim a 5-1 record in round-robin play and a berth in the Sectional Tournament.

— steve smith, Courant Community, "Glastonbury Softball Team Wins District 7," 18 July 2017
West traded out the greens and burgundies featured in her married home for pinks, purples and robin’s egg blue, hues that marked her new single life.

— marni jameson, OrlandoSentinel.com, "When remodeling your life, remodel your space too," 18 July 2017
West traded out the greens and burgundies featured in her married home for pinks, purples and robin's egg blue, hues that marked her new single life.

— NOLA.com, "7 ways decorating is the best therapy: redesign your life and your home," 17 July 2017
And the kids will compete in several species not available during the ADSFR, including sea robins, croakers, hardhead catfish, spadefish, oysterfish, pinfish and whiting.

— frank sargeant, AL.com, "Dr. Bob Shipp ready for 35th Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo," 16 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'robin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of robin

akin to Dutch dialect robijntje linnet, Frisian robyntsje

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1550

See Words from the same year

Other Birds Terms

aerie, bunting, clutch, covey, hackle, ratite, rictus, ruff, skein, zygodactyl

ROBIN Defined for English Language Learners

robin

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noun

Definition of robin for English Language Learners

: a North American bird with a grayish back and reddish breast
: a small European bird with a brownish back and orange face and breast

ROBIN Defined for Kids

robin

play

noun rob·in \ ˈrä-bən \

Definition of robin for Students

1 :a large North American songbird with a grayish back and dull reddish breast

2 :a small European songbird with an orange throat and breast

Learn More about robin

See words that rhyme with robin Spanish Central: Translation of robin Nglish: Translation of robin for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of robin for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about robin

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robin

Definition of robin

Recent Examples of robin from the Web

Origin and Etymology of robin

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ROBIN Defined for English Language Learners

robin

Definition of robin for English Language Learners

ROBIN Defined for Kids

robin

Definition of robin for Students

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robin

Definition of robin

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Recent Examples of robin from the Web

Origin and Etymology of robin

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ROBIN Defined for English Language Learners

robin

Definition of robin for English Language Learners

ROBIN Defined for Kids

robin

Definition of robin for Students

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