What does legendary mean?
Legendary means celebrated in stories or regarded as a famous and extraordinary person, place, event, or achievement. The word is often used for figures whose reputation has become part of a tradition, whether the stories about them are regarded as historical, semi-historical, or imaginary. It can also be used informally to describe something exceptionally impressive or extreme. For example, a musician may be called a legendary performer, while a difficult climb might be described as a legendary feat. In careful writing, legendary should not automatically imply that a person never existed or that every story about them is mythical; it more commonly conveys lasting fame, cultural importance, or an aura of greatness. The word is especially useful when describing someone whose influence has been repeated and enlarged through stories over time.
adjectiveCelebrated in stories or regarded as a famous, legendary figure. It can also describe something so impressive, unusual, or extreme that it seems legendary.
- Celebrated in legend or remembered as a famous, remarkable person or thing.
- Informally, so extraordinary, impressive, or extreme as to seem legendary.
"The band became legendary after its landmark performance at the festival."
"The explorer is regarded as a legendary figure in stories about the region."
"The final play was legendary, combining exceptional skill with an unforgettable atmosphere."
Some people become legendary not through a single triumph, but through a story that generations refuse to let fade.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does legendary come from?
The word comes through Old French from Latin legenda, meaning “things to be read,” a term associated with a collection of stories read aloud. The adjective developed in English in the context of legends and traditional narratives before broadening to mean exceptionally famous or admirable. Its cognate legend continues to refer to a traditional story, while related forms preserve the same historical association with narratives and reading.
Related word forms
How legendary is actually used
In formal writing, legendary most often indicates a person or thing celebrated in stories, folklore, or enduring tradition. In informal contexts, it can be used hyperbolically for something exceptionally impressive, unusual, or extreme, so the wording may express admiration rather than established historical renown.
Easily confused with legendary
A mythical figure or event belongs to myth, especially supernatural tradition, whereas a legendary figure may be remembered through partly historical stories, exaggerated accounts, or enduring fame.
A legend is a traditional story or account, while legendary is normally an adjective describing someone or something celebrated, famous, or associated with legends.