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

Small summer blooms attract butterflies and luna moths, while late season berries are favored by robins, flickers, and grouse. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025

The most similar recent precedent for Concacaf’s overwhelming demands also had that rivalry dynamic: the long-defunct British Home Championship, a four-team tournament contested in a three-match round robin format between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. —Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025

Attendees of this referral networking group can introduce themselves during a round robin and learn from guest presenters from 7 to 8 a.m. Tuesday, June 10 at the Poway Chamber of Commerce, 13029 Danielson St., Suite 120. —Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2025

The robins were squawking, scolding and flying back and forth. —Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 28 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