robin

¹

[ rob-in ]

noun

1. any of several small Old World birds having a red or reddish breast, especially Erithacus rubecula, of Europe.
2. a large American thrush, Turdus migratorius, having a chestnut-red breast and abdomen.
3. any of several similar thrushes of the New World tropics, not necessarily having reddish underparts, as T. grayi clay-colored robin, of Mexico and Central America.

Robin

²

[ rob-in ]

noun

1. a male or female given name: derived from Robert.

robin

/ ˈrɒbɪn /

noun

1. Also calledrobin redbreast a small Old World songbird, Erithacus rubecula , related to the thrushes: family Muscicapidae . The male has a brown back, orange-red breast and face, and grey underparts
2. a North American thrush, Turdus migratorius , similar to but larger than the Old World robin
3. any of various similar birds having a reddish breast

Word History and Origins

Origin of robin¹

First recorded in 1540–50; short for robin redbreast

Word History and Origins

Origin of robin¹

C16: arbitrary use of given name

Example Sentences

According to the American Bird Conservancy, the scarlet tanager's song is often described as "like a robin with a cold".

From BBC

Yet sea robins are most notable for their distinctively large, fan-shaped dorsal fins and for their six leg-like appendages.

From Salon

Britain are aiming to top Group D in the four-nation round robin and secure a place in the Davis Cup Finals last eight in Malaga later this year.

From BBC

This mosquito tends to live in hardwood bogs and feeds on birds like robins, herons, and wrens, spreading the virus among them.

From Salon

Steller’s jays and robins may appear when you start cooking your dinner, optimistic for a treat.

From Los Angeles Times