robin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Informal
Quick answer
What does “robin” mean?
A small, stout-bodied songbird with a red or orange-red breast, particularly referring to the European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) or the larger American Robin (Turdus migratorius).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, stout-bodied songbird with a red or orange-red breast, particularly referring to the European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) or the larger American Robin (Turdus migratorius).
1. A name given to various birds with reddish plumage in different parts of the world. 2. (Informal) A friendly or cheerful person, often used in older English contexts. 3. A term used in heraldry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'robin' exclusively refers to the small, plump European Robin. In the US, 'robin' primarily refers to the larger, longer-legged American Robin. Both are culturally iconic but biologically distinct species.
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with Christmas, winter, and British gardens; symbolizes kindness and familiarity. US: Associated with the arrival of spring, lawns, and worm-pulling; a common suburban bird.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both dialects in nature contexts. The bird is culturally ubiquitous, appearing in folklore, literature, and seasonal symbolism.
Grammar
How to Use “robin” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] robin [VERBed]A robin [VERBed] in the [NOUN]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “robin” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a standard verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as a standard adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard adverb.
adjective
British English
- The robin-red breast was bright against the snow.
- She wore a robin's-egg blue dress.
American English
- The robin's-egg blue paint was perfect for the nursery.
- We saw the classic robin colouration.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in 'round robin' scheduling or tournament formats.
Academic
Used in ornithology, zoology, and cultural studies (e.g., 'the robin as a national symbol').
Everyday
Common in descriptions of gardens, seasons, and weather.
Technical
Precise scientific names are preferred to avoid ambiguity between species.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “robin”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “robin”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “robin”
- Using 'robin' as a generic term for any small bird.
- Assuming the British and American robins are the same species when translating or describing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. They are different species from different biological families. The European Robin is smaller and more closely related to flycatchers, while the American Robin is a larger thrush.
It describes a specific pale greenish-blue colour, like that of the eggs of the American Robin.
It is a competition where each participant plays all other participants. It can also refer to a letter or petition signed by multiple individuals in a circle to conceal the order of signatures.
Not in standard modern English. The verb 'to rob' is unrelated. Historically, 'robin' was a colloquial verb meaning to cheat or steal, but this is now obsolete.
A small, stout-bodied songbird with a red or orange-red breast, particularly referring to the European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) or the larger American Robin (Turdus migratorius).
Robin is usually neutral to informal in register.
Robin: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɒb.ɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɑː.bɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “round robin (a tournament or letter)”
- “"The North American Robin is no more a robin than the kangaroo is a kind of deer." (ornithological saying)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ROBIN: **R**ed **O**n **B**reast **IN** your garden.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE ROBIN IS A FRIENDLY NEIGHBOUR (UK) / THE ROBIN IS A HERALD OF SPRING (US).
Practice
Quiz
Which statement about the word 'robin' is TRUE?