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 The announcement came as part of Paramount+’s Star Trek panel at New York Comic Con on Saturday, which featured a conversation with the series cast and creative team, as well as a Q&A between Star Trek legend William Shatner and Ben Stiller. — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026 In 2014, Texas oil legend Scott Sheffield joined the board of Aussie natural gas player Santos. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026 Why, after centuries, writers, filmmakers, and artists are still captivated by Arthurian legend. — Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026 Visit The Bizarre Bazaar for a tribute to the legend of the Headless Horseman. — Michelle Mastro, Midwest Living, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legend
Noun
  • French-language closed captions for the video tutorials are now available through both the Wear Longer Project website and Discovery Education experience, expanding access for French-speaking learners and educators.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Neither the photograph nor Tech’s brief caption explains whether MrBeast was simply touring the facility or whether the visit is connected to a future project.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Best Bedroom Furniture Deals Yes, high-quality, affordable bedroom furniture is not a myth.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Nalla Roberts has been fascinated with tales like this for years, growing obsessed with Greek myths in her childhood.
    — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Set on the island of Cyprus in 1882, the film blends horror and folklore and revolves around Eleni, an outcast painter whose three children die in a freak accident.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The film fuses horror and crime with Hong Kong spiritual folklore, and is aimed at fans of midnight movies and cult cinema.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • These event listeners enhance accessibility by enabling form submission or closure // when the user presses either the 'Enter' or 'Space' key.
    — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026
  • There are no mod cons which means no keys, no sound system, no televisions.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Ajon [Singh] talked a lot about that fable of the two wolves.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Is the morality fable at the end an allegory of purgatory or hell?
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The Viper Room, Whisky a Go Go, the whole rock-and-roll mythology is outside your door, as is The Comedy Store.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Most biblical scholars read the story of the flood in Genesis as part of a much older tradition of flood mythology from the ancient Near East.
    — Eric Vanden Eykel, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The 6,600-square-foot 5-bedroom residence sleeps 10 and is outfitted with a massive living room with 2 televisions, a pool table, and a record player.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Suddenly, the entire table erupts, simultaneously talking over one another about who said what at what time to whom.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Spending time together brings out their humor and fighting spirit, alongside emotional stories and traditions passed down through generations.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Holliday & Brown brings these two sensibilities together, creating a distinctive offering that combines tradition and creativity.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Legend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legend. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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