Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

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?

Etymology

Origin of urban legend

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Urban legend dictates that wild urban rats can jump at you and bite your face — if you are close enough.

From Salon • Sep. 5, 2022

Urban legend says she was guided in her blueprints by spirits who spoke to her from the beyond.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2018

Urban legend has it that the canal’s debris may also include remnants of Brooklyn’s criminal past, as well.

From Washington Times • Jul. 21, 2016

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.