Definition of "legend" in English

noun

1. The life story of a saint (such stories are often embellished, but any kind is called a legend).

   • As a child she had nothing to read but the legends of early Christian martyrs.

2. An unrealistic story depicting past events.

3. (uncountable) Such stories considered collectively; unverified traditional tales.

4. A person related to a legend or legends.

5. (cartography) A key to the symbols and color codes on a map, chart, etc.

   • According to the legend on the map, that building is a school.

6. (numismatics, heraldry) An inscription, motto, or title, especially one surrounding the field in a medal or coin, or placed upon a heraldic shield or beneath an engraving or illustration.

7. A musical composition set to a poetical story.

8. (naval) The design and specification of a vessel.

verb

1. (archaic, transitive) To tell or narrate; to recount.