Definitions for Legend
ˈlɛdʒ əndLeg·end

Princeton's WordNet(4.33 / 3 votes)Rate this definition:

1. legend, fablenoun

   a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events

2. caption, legendnoun

   brief description accompanying an illustration

Wiktionary(2.87 / 8 votes)Rate this definition:

1. legendnoun

   A story of unknown origin describing plausible but extraordinary past events.

   The legend of Troy was discovered to have historical basis.

2. legendnoun

   A story in which a kernel of truth is embellished to an unlikely degree.

   The 1984 Rose Bowl prank has spawned many legends. Here's the real story.

3. legendnoun

   A leading protagonist in a historical legend.

   Achilles is a legend in Greek culture.

4. legendnoun

   A person of extraordinary accomplishment.

   Michael Jordan stands as a legend in basketball.

5. legendnoun

   A key to the symbols and color codes on a map, chart, etc.

   According to the legend on the map, that building is a school.

6. legendnoun

   The text on a coin.

7. legendnoun

   A fabricated backstory for a spy, with associated documents and records; a cover story.

   According to his legend, he once worked for the Red Cross, spreading humanitarian aid in Africa.

8. legendnoun

   A worthy friend.

   Cheers mate for fixing my car: you're a legend.

9. Etymology: From legende, from legende, from legenda, neuter plural of the future passive participle of legere.

Samuel Johnson's Dictionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Legendnoun

   Etymology: legenda, Latin.

   1. A chronicle or register of the lives of saints.

   Legends being grown in a manner to be nothing else but heaps of frivolous and scandalous vanities, they have been even with disdain thrown out, the very nests which bred them abhorring them. Richard Hooker, b. v.

   There are in Rome two sets of antiquities, the christian and the heathen; the former, though of a fresher date, are so embroiled with fable and legend, that one receives but little satisfaction. Joseph Addison, Remarks on Italy.

   2. Any memorial or relation.

   And in this legend all that glorious deed
   Read, whilst you arm you; arm you whilst you read. Edward Fairfax, b. i.

   3. An incredible unauthentick narrative.

   Who can show the legends, that record
   More idle tales, or fables so absurd. Richard Blackmore.

   It is the way and means of attaining to heaven, that makes profane scorners so willingly let go the expectation of it. It is not the articles of the creed, but the duty to God and their neighbour, that is such an inconsistent incredible legend. Richard Bentley, Sermons.

   4. Any inscription; particularly on medals or coins.

   Compare the beauty and comprehensiveness of legends on ancient coins. Joseph Addison, on Medals.

Webster Dictionary(2.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

1. Legendnoun

   that which is appointed to be read; especially, a chronicle or register of the lives of saints, formerly read at matins, and in the refectories of religious houses

2. Legendnoun

   a story respecting saints; especially, one of a marvelous nature

3. Legendnoun

   any wonderful story coming down from the past, but not verifiable by historical record; a myth; a fable

4. Legendnoun

   an inscription, motto, or title, esp. one surrounding the field in a medal or coin, or placed upon an heraldic shield or beneath an engraving or illustration

5. Legendverb

   to tell or narrate, as a legend

6. Etymology: [OE. legende, OF. legende, F. lgende, LL. legenda, fr. L. legendus to be read, fr. legere to read, gather; akin to Gr. le`gein to gather, speak. Cf. Collect, Dialogue, Lesson, Logic.]

Freebase(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Legend

   A legend is a narrative of human actions that are perceived both by teller and listeners to take place within human history and to possess certain qualities that give the tale verisimilitude. Legend, for its active and passive participants includes no happenings that are outside the realm of "possibility", defined by a highly flexible set of parameters, which may include miracles that are perceived as actually having happened, within the specific tradition of indoctrination where the legend arises, and within which it may be transformed over time, in order to keep it fresh and vital, and realistic. A majority of legends operate within the realm of uncertainty, never being entirely believed by the participants, but also never being resolutely doubted. The Brothers Grimm defined legend as folktale historically grounded. A modern folklorist's professional definition of legend was proposed by Timothy R. Tangherlini in 1990: Legend, typically, is a short episodic, traditional, highly ecotypified historicized narrative performed in a conversational mode, reflecting on a psychological level a symbolic representation of folk belief and collective experiences and serving as a reaffirmation of commonly held values of the group to whose tradition it belongs."

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary(5.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

1. Legend

   lej′end, or lē′-, n. a marvellous story from early times: the motto on a coat of arms, medal, or coin: an inscription of any kind: a musical composition set to a poetical story.—n. Leg′endary, a book of legends: one who relates legends: (pl.) a chronicle of the lives of saints.—adj. consisting of legends: romantic: fabulous.—n. Leg′endist, a writer of legends.—Golden legend (see Golden). [Fr.,—Low L. legenda, a book of chronicles of the saints read at matins—L. legendus—legĕre, to read.]

Suggested Resources(2.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

1. legend

   Song lyrics by legend -- Explore a large variety of song lyrics performed by legend on the Lyrics.com website.

Etymology and Origins(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Legend

   An Americanism for a written or printed notice. The term has latterly come into use in England relative to a tradesman’s shop announcement.

Matched Categories

1. • Story
   • Title

British National Corpus

1. Nouns Frequency

   Rank popularity for the word 'Legend' in Nouns Frequency: #2124

How to pronounce Legend?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say Legend in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of Legend in Chaldean Numerology is: 7

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of Legend in Pythagorean Numerology is: 2

Examples of Legend in a Sentence

1. Spencer Madrie:

   You wish somebody like that could go on forever and be this lifelong legend, you don’t ever consider somebody like that passing, even though her legacy will last for generations after.

2. Dimitris Itoudis:

   Kyle is a living legend and I cannot express my gratitude enough for the way he brings this group together, in 10 years' time he will be ready to coach. All the players deserve the credit but this guy stands out.

3. Anuj Somany:

   A person who is truly a legend remains a kid for the lifetime, so naturally he does not like spending time with the people who enjoy calling themselves the adults.

4. David Eisenbud:

   The legend around this chalk is that it's impossible to write a false theorem using the chalk, but I think I've disproved that many times.

5. Steve Watson:

   We are heartbroken to learn of Les' passing, the Loyola Chicago family has lost a true legend, who was a major part our NCAA championship team in 1963. Les was an accomplished basketball player, but was even more valued for the person he was off the court. We offer our heartfelt condolences to The Loyola family, friends and former teammates.

Popularity rank by frequency of use