urban legend

NOUN

widely distributed untruth

Synonyms

WEAK

urban myth

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.

Officials now have the unenviable task of euthanising the creepy-crawlies, an insect so hardy it spawned an urban legend they could survive a nuclear blast.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

The story may be an urban legend, but it illustrates a real danger of artificial intelligence.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

There’s a certain category of urban legend that only spreads via overworked, working-class uncles.

From Salon • Jan. 14, 2026

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

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