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

The Death of Robin Hood is based on a 17th Century ballad of the outlaw, starring Hugh Jackman as the reflective, battle-weary titular character at the end of his life.

From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2026

History does, in fact, show Robin Hood as more multifaceted than a simple hero or villain.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 23, 2026

While the movie also acknowledges that there are myths forming around Robin Hood that suggest he may have a history of benevolent deeds, Sarnoski tilts the viewer toward not believing that.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 23, 2026

This savage, amoral and unfeeling Robin Hood has been written to invert everything modern fans like about him.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 18, 2026

Robin Hood and his merry men discomfited the Sheriff of Nottingham.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

Related Words

• charitable
• humanitarian
• magnanimous
• philanthropic