Definitions for Legend
ˈlɛdʒ əndleg·end

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:4.3 / 3 votes

1. legend, fablenoun

   a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events

2. caption, legendnoun

   brief description accompanying an illustration

WiktionaryRate this definition:2.9 / 8 votes

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 DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

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.

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Legend

   A legend is a genre of folklore that consists of a narrative featuring human actions, believed or perceived, both by teller and listeners, to have taken place in human history. Narratives in this genre may demonstrate human values, and possess certain qualities that give the tale verisimilitude. Legend, for its active and passive participants may include miracles. Legends may be transformed over time to keep them fresh and vital. Many legends operate within the realm of uncertainty, never being entirely believed by the participants, but also never being resolutely doubted. Legends are sometimes distinguished from myths in that they concern human beings as the main characters rather than gods, and sometimes in that they have some sort of historical basis whereas myths generally do not. The Brothers Grimm defined legend as "folktale historically grounded". A by-product of the "concern with human beings" is the long list of legendary creatures, leaving no "resolute doubt" that legends are "historically grounded." A modern folklorist's professional definition of legend was proposed by Timothy R. Tangherlini in 1990: Legend, typically, is a short (mono-) 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.

ChatGPTRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. legend

   A legend is a traditional or historical story or narrative that is passed down through generations, typically involving heroic characters, extraordinary events, or mythical creatures. Legends often possess symbolic or metaphorical elements and may serve to teach or explain beliefs, customs, or cultural traditions within a particular society or community. They can be found in various forms such as folktales, myths, epics, or religious texts, and are often held in high regard and cherished as part of a cultural heritage.

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:2.0 / 1 vote

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.]

FreebaseRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

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 DictionaryRate this definition:5.0 / 1 vote

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.]

Editors ContributionRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. legendnoun

   The author forming names of appliances or instrumenting another name for mythology in definite date of data. 1.) A traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated. 2.) An extremely famous or notorious person, in a particular field. 3.) An inscription on a coin or medal. A caption.

   The Most High legend carries the glorious stories at hand.

   Etymology: Heroes

   
   

   Submitted by Tony_Elyon on November 8, 2023  

Suggested ResourcesRate this definition:2.0 / 1 vote

1. legend

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

Etymology and OriginsRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

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. Dean Martin:

   I think what John Legend's done is John Legend's stealing the thunder from Frank Loesser's song and my dad, john Legend should write John Legend own song if John Legend doesn't like this one, but don't change the lyrics. It's a classic, perfect song.

2. Mr vybs live:

   Every country has a legend. But in Uganda, everyone is a legend of their kind

3. Susan Loricchio:

   I would almost be sorry if they did find her because it’s that mystique that keeps her legend going and that legend is an inspiration even today.

4. Tallulah Bankhead:

   No man worth his salt, no man of spirit and spine, no man for whom I could have any respect, could rejoice in the identification of Tallulah's husband. It's tough enough to be bogged down in a legend. It would be even tougher to marry one.

5. Henry Louis Mencken:

   Legend a lie that has attained the dignity of age.

Popularity rank by frequency of use