legendary
LEHJ-uhn-dree
Legendary (adj) means Described in or belonging to legend. Example: “Tales of the legendary beast frightened villagers for generations.”
adj
1
Described in or belonging to legend.
"Tales of the legendary beast frightened villagers for generations."
"The legendary hero was said to sleep beneath the mountain until needed."
"The legendary sword was said to have been forged by the gods."
2
Extremely famous or admired, often to the point of exaggeration.
"He is a legendary chef in our small town, known to everyone."
"Her generosity became legendary among the staff."
"The band's legendary live shows sold out within minutes."
How to use legendary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSo famous or impressive it sounds like something from a legend.
Common pairings
legendary status
a legendary performance
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Word forms
- Plural
- legendaries
- Comparative
- more legendary
- Superlative
- most legendary
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Tales of the _____ beast frightened villagers for generations.
Etymology
From legend plus the adjective suffix -ary, via Medieval Latin legendārius.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for legendary
See all rhymes for legendary →Frequently asked questions
What does “legendary” mean?
The word “legendary” means described in or belonging to legend. In plain terms, so famous or impressive it sounds like something from a legend.
How do you pronounce “legendary”?
“Legendary” is pronounced LEHJ-uhn-dree (/ˈlɛd͡ʒ.ənˌdɛɹ.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “legendary” in a sentence?
Here is “legendary” used in a sentence: “The legendary sword was said to have been forged by the gods.”
What part of speech is “legendary”?
“Legendary” is an adjective.
Where does the word “legendary” come from?
The word “legendary” comes from Medieval Latin. From legend plus the adjective suffix -ary, via Medieval Latin legendārius.
Is “legendary” a common word?
“Legendary” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “legendary” have?
“Legendary” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: described in or belonging to legend.
What is the difference between "legendary" and "famous"?
"Famous" simply means widely known, while "legendary" carries a stronger, almost mythical praise, suggesting someone or something is admired to the point of exaggeration. Calling a performer legendary implies their reputation has grown larger than ordinary fame.
Can "legendary" describe something that isn't real?
Yes. One sense of "legendary" means described in or belonging to legend, so it can refer to mythical creatures or stories, as in "legendary beasts." The word does not always mean genuinely famous; context decides whether it means fabled or celebrated.
Is "legendary" a compliment or can it be exaggeration?
It is usually a strong compliment, praising exceptional fame or achievement. However, because it often implies fame "to the point of exaggeration," it can also be used playfully or ironically to describe something whose reputation is inflated.
What nouns commonly follow "legendary"?
"Legendary" frequently pairs with words like status, figure, performance, career, hero, and reputation. These collocations emphasise lasting fame or admiration rather than temporary popularity.
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