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

See Examples For:

Robin Hood

Sarnoski, for his part, just wants his audience to question the stories they are told, whether they are about Robin Hood or present-day public figures.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 23, 2026

Disillusionment aside, what’s the point of a Robin Hood who insists on standing for nothing?

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 18, 2026

Legend has it that the outlaw Robin Hood used the Major Oak's hollow trunk - which in fact was caused by fungi - as his hideout.

From BBC ● Jun. 17, 2026

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

All my shouting brings Robin Hood to the door, barking and bouncing, trying to get my attention.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

Related Words

• charitable
• humanitarian
• magnanimous
• philanthropic