robin
[rob-in]
- any of several small Old World birds having a red or reddish breast, especially Erithacus rubecula, of Europe.
- a large American thrush, Turdus migratorius, having a chestnut-red breast and abdomen.
- 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.
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Origin of robin
First recorded in 1540–50; short for robin redbreast
Also called robin redbreast (for defs 1, 2).
Robin
[rob-in]
- a male or female given name: derived from Robert.
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for robin
Contemporary Examples
“Robin had us blubbing with laughter all the way through one dinner,” Gilkes recalls.
William, Kate, and Jay Z’s Favorite Art Star: Alexander Gilkes' World of Rock Stars and RoyaltyTim Teeman
December 10, 2014
The Enquirer story was written by Robin Mizrahi, who interviewed Ferrier and had arranged for her to take a lie detector test.
How Bill Cosby Allegedly Silenced His Accusers Through A Tabloid Smear CampaignMarlow Stern
November 21, 2014
Robin Williams and Nathan Lane play lovers—life partners, really.
Another memorable, if not disastrous, misstep, of course, was his turn as Batman in Batman and Robin.
I know Robin recently said of you, “I was convinced we were going to be married.”
Cary Elwes, aka Westley, Shares Inconceivable Tales From the Making of ‘The Princess Bride’Marlow Stern
September 17, 2014
Historical Examples
Robin had gone back to his own town; he was cashier in a big bank there.
Life and Death of Harriett FreanMay Sinclair
On Monday morning she was ill, and Robin ordered her to stay in bed.
Life and Death of Harriett FreanMay Sinclair
Gradually the image of the middle-aged Robin had effaced his youth.
Life and Death of Harriett FreanMay Sinclair
Through dinner Harriett and Robin were silent and constrained.
Life and Death of Harriett FreanMay Sinclair
Robin's pale, blank face had a sick look, a deadly smoothness.
Life and Death of Harriett FreanMay Sinclair
robin
- Also called: robin 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
- a North American thrush, Turdus migratorius, similar to but larger than the Old World robin
- any of various similar birds having a reddish breast
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Word Origin
C16: arbitrary use of given name
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for robin
Robin
masc. proper name, from Old French Robin, diminutive of Robert (q.v.). Robin Goodfellow "sportive elf of the English countryside," is first attested 1530s, popular 16-17c.; Robin Hood is at least from late 14c.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper