noun
robin
RO-bihn
noun
1
A small songbird with a red or orange breast; in Europe, a distinct species, and in North America, a different, larger species.
"A robin hopped across the lawn looking for worms."
How to Use Robin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small bird known for its red or orange breast, often seen as a sign of spring in the UK or as a common backyard bird in the US.
UK vs US
The British robin (Erithacus rubecula) and the American robin (Turdus migratorius) are different species that just share the name and a red/orange breast.
Word Forms
robins plural, Robins plural, Robins plural
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Etymology
Short for "Robin Redbreast," itself from the medieval personal name Robin, a diminutive of Robert — the bird was essentially given a human nickname.