Legend: meaning, definitions and examples

📜

Add to dictionary

legend

[ ˈlɛdʒənd ]

^{Context #1}

in storytelling

A traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated.

Synonyms

fable, folk tale, myth

Examples of usage

The legend of King Arthur has been passed down for generations.
The legend of Robin Hood is a well-known tale of a heroic outlaw.

^{Context #2}

in sports

A person or thing that is very famous for a particular skill, quality, or achievement.

Synonyms

celebrity, icon, superstar

Examples of usage

Michael Jordan is a basketball legend.
Pele is a soccer legend known worldwide.

^{Context #3}

in mapmaking

An explanatory table or list of the symbols appearing on a map or chart.

Synonyms

guide, index, key

Examples of usage

Make sure to refer to the legend to understand the symbols on the map.
The legend on the nautical chart helped the sailors navigate the waters.

Translations

Translations of the word "legend" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lenda

🇮🇳 किंवदंती

🇩🇪 Legende

🇮🇩 legenda

🇺🇦 легенда

🇵🇱 legenda

🇯🇵 伝説 (densetsu)

🇫🇷 légende

🇪🇸 leyenda

🇹🇷 efsane

🇰🇷 전설 (jeonseol)

🇸🇦 أسطورة (usṭūra)

🇨🇿 legenda

🇸🇰 legenda

🇨🇳 传说 (chuánshuō)

🇸🇮 legenda

🇮🇸 goðsögn

🇰🇿 аңыз

🇬🇪 ლეგენდა (legenda)

🇦🇿 əfsanə

🇲🇽 leyenda

Word origin

The word 'legend' originated from the Middle English 'legende', borrowed from Old French 'legende', which in turn came from Medieval Latin 'legenda' meaning 'things to be read'. The concept of legends has been a part of human culture for centuries, with stories of mythical figures and historical heroes being passed down through generations.

See also: leg, legacy, legal, legatee, legation, legible, legs.