Definition of legendnext
1
as in caption
an explanatory list of the symbols on a map or chart the legend indicated that a large circle represented a major city, while a small circle stood for a small town

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2
as in translation
an explanation or description accompanying a pictorial illustration the legend in the science textbook indicated that the accompanying picture had been enlarged by 1000%

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3
as in myth
a traditional but unfounded story that gives the reason for a current custom, belief, or fact of nature some ancient civilizations had legends about spirits that inhabited trees and rocks

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4
as in folklore
the body of customs, beliefs, stories, and sayings associated with a people, thing, or place that story of how the world came to be has long been part of Native American legend

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of legend According to salad-making legend, the concoction came about when a couple of patrons arrived near closing time and ordered a salad. Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 The season begins with the chefs competing at Charlotte Motor Speedway in an episode featuring NASCAR legends Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 29 Jan. 2026 By legend, the fruit is delivered by a boy in black, only to those who truly ‘need’ it. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026 Kingsley, an acting legend thanks to his Oscar-winning performance in Gandhi, later dived so deep into a scene from episode three that the crowd, bewitched by witnessing the actor’s process, erupted into applause. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legend
Noun
  • According to the captions of the post, which was cross-posted with the Industrial Workers of the World’s San Francisco Bay Area account, 27 of 283 Peet’s Coffee locations are slated to close.
    Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The caption places him in the Flint Hills of Kansas, home of the Tallgrass Prairie National Reserve in Chase County.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Emily Mendenhall traces the medical myths, gender bias, and neurological truths behind hysteria, one of history’s most damaging diagnoses.
    Big Think, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The myth is that constant availability is productive when the data suggests otherwise.
    Dilan Gomih, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Hemlock takes as much inspiration from horror as from folklore and mythology.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
  • The werewolf tale, which began filming in the UK last fall, is set in 13th-century England and sees a mysterious creature stalk the land as local folklore becomes a terrifying reality.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The key is to start where friction is highest, whether that’s customer responses, proposals, first-pass marketing copy or product listings, and introduce a simple review checklist that defines what must be accurate, what must never be claimed, and what requires human sign-off.
    Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Her dreams of late had all been like this, trying to pack without a bag or leave the house without her keys, trying to read without her contacts.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The recently released fourth outing of Netflix’s massively popular Regency romance — adapted from Julia Quinn’s best-selling book series — is a twist on the Grimm brothers’ fable.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Later novels routinely took inspiration from family members or former or current lovers; the 1980 novel that baffled Frank Kermode is a dreamlike fable about a man guiltily trying to have an extramarital affair.
    Christopher Tayler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Greek mythology became a North Star for understanding very complicated characters in my own life.
    Jason Parham, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Trends like it are too fleeting to support the kind of mythology that The Moment tries to graft onto it.
    Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • At the presentation, guests were encouraged to sit at a large central table and participate in a live weaving workshop, as models walked around it showcasing the new collection.
    Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Designers seek out furniture, such as chairs, dining tables, and case goods, along with accent items like original art, hardcover books, lamp bases, and brass accessories.
    Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Dining options will encompass numerous restaurants and bars, including the brand’s signature Peacock Alley, a lobby lounge tradition that has anchored Waldorf Astoria properties since the original New York hotel.
    Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • That has been the tradition of Jersey governors going back decades, with the New York governor picking the executive director (as Hochul has selected Kathryn Garcia, who was our first choice for NYC mayor in 2021 and if the voters had heeded us, would be starting her second term in City Hall).
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Legend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legend. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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