Medal — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈme-dᵊl/ med·al

Meaning & Definition of Medal

Medal (noun)

  1. a small usually metal object bearing a religious emblem or picture
  2. a piece of metal often resembling a coin and having a stamped design that is issued to commemorate a person or event or awarded for excellence or achievement

Medal (verb)

  1. to win a medal

Medal (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a piece of metal given in honor of a special event, a person, or an achievement

    "the display case held an impressive array of military medals from World War II"

    similar: medallion, order
    related: decoration, honor, crown, insignia, laurel, ribbon, title, bronze, gold, silver, badge, button, chevron, clasp, cockade, color, ensign, rosette, star, distinction, award, prize, trophy, citation, commendation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Medal

The most common words with a similar meaning to Medal:

medallion, order

Related Words for Medal

decoration, honor, crown, insignia, laurel, ribbon, title, bronze, gold, silver, badge, button, chevron, clasp, cockade, color, ensign, rosette, star, distinction, award, prize, trophy, citation, commendation

Word Forms of Medal

Inflections: medaled, medalled, medaling, medalling

Origin & Etymology of Medal

Middle French medaille, from Old Italian medaglia coin worth half a denarius, medal, from Vulgar Latin *medalis half, alteration of Late Latin medialis middle, from Latin medius mid

First known use: circa 1578

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Medal

  • Topics: Sports & Entertainment

Words & Phrases Containing Medal

Medal for Merit, Medal of Freedom, Medal of Honor, medal play, Air Medal, Congressional Medal, Distinguished Conduct Medal, Distinguished Service Medal

Frequently Asked Questions about Medal

What does "Medal" mean?

"Medal" means a small usually metal object bearing a religious emblem or picture. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a small usually metal object bearing a religious emblem or picture.

What is another word for "Medal"?

Other words for "Medal" include medallion and order. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Medal" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Medal"?

There are 27 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Medal". Common alternatives include medallion and order.

How do you use "Medal" in a sentence?

Examples of "Medal" in a sentence: "the display case held an impressive array of military medals from World War II".

Is "Medal" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Medal" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Medal"?

"Medal" is pronounced /ˈme-dᵊl/ and divided into syllables as med·al.

What is the origin of the word "Medal"?

"Medal" comes from Middle French medaille, from Old Italian medaglia coin worth half a denarius, medal, from Vulgar Latin *medalis half, alteration of Late Latin medialis middle, from Latin medius mid. First known use: circa 1578.

What is another word for "Medal" meaning "a piece of metal given in honor of a special event, a person, or an achievement"?

When "Medal" (noun) means a piece of metal given in honor of a special event, a person, or an achievement, synonyms include medallion and order.