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award

American  
[uh-wawrd] / əˈwɔrd /

verb (used with object)

awards, present (3rd person singular) awarded, past participle, past awarding present participle
  1. to give as due or merited; assign or bestow.

    to award prizes.

  2. to bestow by judicial decree; assign or appoint by deliberate judgment, as in arbitration.

    The plaintiff was awarded damages of $100,000.


noun

  1. something awarded, as a payment or medal.

  2. Law.

    1. a decision after consideration; a judicial sentence.

    2. the decision of arbitrators on a matter submitted to them.

award British  
/ əˈwɔːd /

verb

  1. to give (something due), esp as a reward for merit

    to award prizes

  2. law to declare to be entitled, as by decision of a court of law or an arbitrator

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. something awarded, such as a prize or medal

    an award for bravery

  2. (in Australia and New Zealand) the amount of an award wage (esp in the phrase above award )

  3. law

    1. the decision of an arbitrator

    2. a grant made by a court of law, esp of damages in a civil action

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of award

First recorded in 1250–1300; (for the verb) Middle English awarden, from Anglo-French awarder; equivalent to a- 4 + ward; (for the noun) Middle English, from Anglo-French, derivative of awarder

Explanation

The noun award refers to a prize of some kind that indicates you’ve done well and achieved an honor. The verb form of award describes giving out one of these honors. So your teacher may award you the Math Genius award. Award can be something given out by a court of law. For example, a judge might give you a monetary award when you win a lawsuit. Award can also be something you get when you're the big winner. The state lottery commission might award you $35 when you hit the lottery. Award comes from the Old English word weardian, meaning “guard” — which is exactly what you should do with that $35.

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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.

PGA AWARD: The PGA of America has a points-based award for player of the year, and it looks as if it is coming down to Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 28, 2012

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