urban legend

American  

noun

1. a modern story of obscure origin and with little or no supporting evidence that spreads spontaneously in varying forms and often has elements of humor, moralizing, or horror.

   Are there alligators living in the New York City sewer system, or is that just an urban legend?

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Etymology

Origin of urban legend

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Nonetheless, the urban legend of American Muslims rejoicing at 9/11 took on a life of its own, which neatly fit a preexisting narrative casting all Muslims as irredeemable enemies of the West.

From Slate • Oct. 29, 2025

“This moment is a kind of urban legend in the art world,” said Wallach in a telephone interview from her home in New York on Long Island.

From New York Times • Apr. 19, 2024

Chinese food and groceries are so rare on the Westside that it’s become something of an urban legend.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 2, 2023

It is unclear where the spider-swallowing story originated, but the myth is so embedded it has morphed into the stuff of urban legend, Dr Wilkinson says.

From BBC • Aug. 5, 2023

Halliday’s Easter egg gradually moved into the realm of urban legend, and the ever-dwindling tribe of gunters gradually became the object of ridicule.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline