robin

noun

rob·​in ˈrä-bən How to pronounce robin (audio)
1
a
: a small chiefly European thrush (Erithacus rubecula) resembling a warbler and having a brownish-olive back and orangish face and breast
b
: any of various Old World songbirds that are related to or resemble the European robin
2
: a large North American thrush (Turdus migratorius) with olivaceous to slate-gray upperparts, blackish head and tail, black and whitish streaked throat, and dull reddish breast and underparts

Examples of robin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Is this night song repeated over and over by a single robin a form of religious service for all robins in the area to their Sun God? — David ONeil, South Windsor, Conn. Andrew Van Dam, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024 Cedar waxwings and robins often occur together, especially at a water source. Taylor Piephoff, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Conor tilted his head to the side, like a curious robin. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 4 Aug. 2023 The red robin tomato was harvested as part of a NASA experiment to grow produce in space for longer-term missions in the future. Simrin Singh, CBS News, 9 Dec. 2023 As part these efforts, USTA Florida will be hosting events throughout the year, including free festivals, USTA Play Days, round robins, and USTA Florida will also offer scholarships for tennis providers to attend PTR Ace workshops and obtain teaching certifications. Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 These include species like cardinals, robins, and the goldfinch. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 14 Sep. 2023 Where to Eat For gatherings that require a spirited setting, the robin’s egg blue main room of Monarch hits the maximalist mark. Mosha Lundström Halbert, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2023 And interesting or original features abound: the dining room features intricate coffered ceilings, there’s a nifty sunroom in one of the bedrooms, and the robin’s egg blue kitchen has stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, plus premium Sub-Zero appliances and a convenient wet bar. James McClain, Robb Report, 10 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'robin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

akin to Dutch dialect robijntje linnet, Frisian robyntsje

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of robin was circa 1550

Dictionary Entries Near robin

Cite this Entry

“Robin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/robin. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

robin

noun
rob·​in ˈräb-ən How to pronounce robin (audio)
1
: a small European thrush with an orange red face, throat, and breast
2
: a large North American thrush with a grayish back and head and a brick red breast

More from Merriam-Webster on robin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!