legendary

[lej-uhn-der-ee]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of a legend.

   Synonyms: superhuman, strange, supernatural, heroic

2. celebrated or described in legend.

   a legendary hero.

noun

plural

legendaries 

1. a collection of legends.

legendary

/ -drɪ, ˈlɛdʒəndərɪ /

adjective

1. of or relating to legend

2. celebrated or described in a legend or legends

3. very famous or notorious

Other Word Forms

• legendarily adverb
• prelegendary adjective
• pseudolegendary adjective
• quasi-legendary adjective
• semilegendary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of legendary¹

From the Medieval Latin word legendārius, dating back to 1505–15. See legend, -ary

Example Sentences

While Paul worked in the lineage of Cousy and Stockton—basketball’s legendary little guys—the NBA started favoring bigger playmakers, who could pass the ball but also score by the bucketload.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The legendary comedian George Carlin had a famous routine about stuff— something my dad had shown me from time to time over the years.

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Caton-Jones said he looked to legendary Japanese director Akira Kurosawa for inspiration, as well as sword master Bill Hobbs.

Read more on BBC

On the drive up to the Rose Bowl’s front door, underneath the legendary glowing sign, toward the picturesque purple mountains, there stands the most impactful symbol of the school that plays there.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“This legendary property will not last long. Who wouldn’t want to own a piece of luxury history on iconic Lake Norman?” the listing concludes.

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Related Words

• fabled 
• fabulous 
• mythical 
• storied