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 Aside from symphonies by Brahms, Beethoven, Prokofiev and Wagner in the Classical Series, the Film + Live Orchestra Series will present tributes to music legends like Jimmy Buffett and Whitney Houston. Noelle Alviz-Gransee february 5, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2026 The main attraction, though, was on the stage as legends from the sports world talked about why representation matters to them. Andrea Nakano, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026 Using the cattle drive, a device that is to Western legend as prohibition is to that other staple of pop American theology, the gangster fable, TV’s Lonesome Dove creates a moving (in both senses of the word) depiction of the never-never-land/once-upon-a-time West of reconstructed recollection. Miles Beller, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026 Curtis compared Brady to Larry Bird as former local legends who don’t care about the region. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legend
Noun
  • This was confirmed with a photo released to celebrate the Prince of Wales’ birthday that featured the puppies and mentioned them in the caption.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Parts of this article, including its title and photo caption, were updated to reflect IonQ’s response to Fortune‘s queries, which was received after the article’s publication deadline.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The chief human resources officer at $76 billion giant Colgate-Palmolive, Sally Massey, dispelled the myths that Gen Z only brings high standards and chaos to the workplace.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Like the tricksters of myth, there’s depth to their slyness.
    Big Think, Big Think, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • As these babies were unbaptized, their cemeteries often sank into obscurity, and integrating folklore into heritage protection is vital.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Krampus, a horned beast from European folklore that accompanies St. Nicholas, is said to punish misbehaving children during the Christmas season.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Thoughtful Lighting Lighting can make or break a kitchen, but the key is to give yourself options.
    Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Her employee badge, keys and computer were confiscated, according to the memo.
    Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • This poetic, interactive solo-theater piece blends fable and modern-day storytelling.
    Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The Grand Prix winner of last year’s Cannes Critics Week, filmmaker Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke’s snaky, surprising fable starts with a sneeze and explodes into a saga about bureaucracy, modernization and moral corruption.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Written by Kate Trefry and based on an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Trefry, the play functions as a standalone prequel rooted in the mythology of the hit series.
    Kennedy French, Variety, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The Davies brothers’ recovered memories yield a private mythology that is simultaneously familial, urban, and national.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Leavitt turns the tables on media outrage as FBI seizes Fulton election documents.
    , FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • All the more remarkable then, that the 1899 lay forgotten for years in a cellar, before eventually ending up on Soo Hoo’s table.
    Pin Yen Tan 9 min ago, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • His music, holding a foot in the future and the past, is homage to Puerto Rican traditions, heavy on salsa, with notes of hip hop, big band, indie rock and reggaeton.
    Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The long-standing tradition is an opportunity for state and federal governments to engage in person on pressing issues across the nation.
    Adam Thompson, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Legend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legend. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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