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

In Southern California, the numbers of American robins and goldfinches increased in urbanized areas. — Mack Baysinger follow, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026

Tiny hummingbirds and warblers need very little water, while larger birds like robins and mourning doves appreciate slightly deeper areas. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 18 July 2026

This bird feeder is popular with cardinals, finches, and robins, whereas this bug spray alternative is not so popular with mosquitoes. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026

The robin-sized gray catbird sports a lovely shade of gray overall, with a black cap, dark eye, black in the wings and contrasting bright rufous under its tail. — Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 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