Robin Hood

American  

noun

1. a legendary English outlaw of the 12th century, hero of many ballads, who robbed the rich to give to the poor: a popular model of courage, generosity and justice, as well as of skill in archery, he lived and presided over his band of followers chiefly in Sherwood Forest.

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Robin Hood British  

noun

1. a legendary English outlaw of the reign of Richard I, who according to tradition lived in Sherwood Forest and robbed the rich to give to the poor

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Robin Hood ¹ Cultural  

1. A legendary robber of the Middle Ages in England, who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. An excellent archer, he lived in Sherwood Forest with the fair Maid Marian, the stalwart Little John, the priest Friar Tuck, the musician Allan-a-Dale, and others who helped him rob rich landlords and thwart his chief enemy, the sheriff of Nottingham.

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Robin Hood ² Cultural  

1. A character of English legend, the subject of many ballads (see also ballad) and stories since the fourteenth century. (See under “Mythology and Folklore.”)

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Example Sentences

Mangione has been hailed by some on social media as a modern Robin Hood, fighting against a rigged system on behalf of working people.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

After a decade here in Vancouver, next year it moves stateside, to San Diego, where its Robin Hood ops will carry on.

From Slate • May 8, 2026

One sculpture transforms the European hero Robin Hood into an African bandit queen who raided slave traders and freed their captives.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

I always wanted to be a swashbuckling, sword-fighting Robin Hood.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

The only chap, reflected Sir Ector, who could be really useful in showin’ the King’s huntsman proper sport was that fellow Robin Hood.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

Related Words

• charitable
• humanitarian
• magnanimous
• philanthropic