legend
LEHJ-uhnd
Legend (noun) means a traditional story from the past, often only partly true. Example: “According to legend, the town was founded by a lost sailor.”
noun
1
A traditional story from the past, often only partly true.
"According to legend, the town was founded by a lost sailor."
"Local legend says the lake is haunted by a drowned bride."
"The legend of the sleeping giant is still told to children around here."
2
A person famous for extraordinary achievements.
"The retired footballer is regarded as a legend of the sport."
"My grandmother says that singer is a living legend in her village."
"Years after she retired, the chess master was still spoken of as a legend."
3
A key explaining the symbols used on a map or chart.
"Check the legend to see what each colour on the map represents."
"The legend in the corner of the chart shows that dotted lines are footpaths."
"If you cannot find the car park, look at the legend beside the map."
How to use legend
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA traditional tale passed down over time, a famously accomplished person, or a map's explanatory key.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
urban legend
living legend
map legend
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Word forms
- Plural
- legends
- Third person singular
- legends
- Past tense
- legended
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
According to _____, the town was founded by a lost sailor.
Etymology
From Latin legenda, "things to be read," originally referring to accounts of saints' lives read aloud in church.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “legend” mean?
The word “legend” means a traditional story from the past, often only partly true. In plain terms, a traditional tale passed down over time, a famously accomplished person, or a map's explanatory key.
How do you pronounce “legend”?
“Legend” is pronounced LEHJ-uhnd (/ˈlɛd͡ʒ.ənd/ in IPA).
How do you use “legend” in a sentence?
Here is “legend” used in a sentence: “According to legend, the town was founded by a lost sailor.”
What part of speech is “legend”?
“Legend” is a noun.
Where does the word “legend” come from?
The word “legend” comes from Latin. From Latin legenda, "things to be read," originally referring to accounts of saints' lives read aloud in church.
Is “legend” a common word?
“Legend” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “legend” have?
“Legend” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a traditional story from the past, often only partly true.
What is the difference between a legend and a myth?
A legend is set in the real world and often centres on a historical figure or event, embellished over time — think King Arthur or Robin Hood. A myth is a traditional story that usually involves gods or the supernatural and explains origins, like how the world began. Legends feel historical; myths feel sacred or cosmic.
What is the difference between a legend and a folktale?
A folktale is a traditional story told mainly for entertainment or a moral, with no claim to be true and often no fixed time or place. A legend, by contrast, is usually tied to a real setting, person or period and is presented as if it might have actually happened, however exaggerated.
Does 'legend' have other meanings?
Yes. Besides a traditional story, a legend can be a hugely admired or famous person — 'a football legend.' It also means the key on a map or chart that explains its symbols, and any explanatory caption. Modern slang uses it as praise too, calling a helpful or impressive person 'an absolute legend.'
What is an example of a legend?
Classic legends include King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table, Robin Hood, William Tell and the tales of Atlantis. Each grows from a kernel of possible history or a real place, then gathers heroic, dramatic detail as it is retold across generations until fact and story are hard to separate.
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