robin

noun

rob·​in ˈrä-bən 

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

Vintage Tennis: Round robin matches for men and women 60 or older. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2024

The researchers observed 80 species of birds eating the insect, mainly robins and sparrows. —Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2024

In the nearby woods a robin sings, 14 hours ahead of schedule. —The Indianapolis Star, 8 Apr. 2024

Still, other breeding robins are actually from the boreal regions of Canada that winter in Michigan. —Jennifer Dixon, Detroit Free Press, 2 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

akin to Dutch dialect robijntje linnet, Frisian robyntsje

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing robin

• ragged robin
• robin redbreast
• round-robin
• sea robin
• wake-robin

Kids Definition

robin

noun

rob·​in ˈräb-ən 

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