medal

American  

[med-l] / ˈmɛd l /

noun

1. a flat piece of metal, often a disk but sometimes a cross, star, or other form, usually bearing an inscription or design, issued to commemorate a person, action, or event, or given as a reward for bravery, merit, or the like.

   a gold medal for the best swimmer.

2. a similar object bearing a religious image, as of a saint.

   a Saint Christopher's medal.

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verb (used with object)

medaled, medaling, medalled, medalling

1. to decorate or honor with a medal.

verb (used without object)

medaled, medaling, medalled, medalling

1. to receive a medal, especially in a sporting event.

   He medaled in three of four races.

medal British  

/ mɪˈdælɪk, ˈmɛdəl /

noun

1. a small flat piece of metal bearing an inscription or image, given as an award or commemoration of some outstanding action, event, etc

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verb

1. (tr) to honour with a medal

2. informal (intr) (in sport) to win a medal

Other Word Forms

• medallic adjective
• unmedaled adjective
• unmedalled adjective

Etymology

Origin of medal

1580–90; earlier medaille < Middle French < Italian medaglia copper coin worth a halfpenny < Vulgar Latin *medalia, variant (by dissimilation) of Late Latin mediālia, noun use of neuter plural (taken as feminine singular) of mediālis medial

Example Sentences

At Milan Cortina, Italy’s Winter Olympians produced their best ever medal haul to finish behind only powerhouses Norway and Team USA.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

When time slots open, fans can shop for tickets based on sport, venue location, price and medal event.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Rand, whose death aged 86 was announced on Friday, became the first British woman to win an Olympic gold medal in athletics, thanks to her long jump victory in Tokyo in 1964.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

When Daley won his third Commonwealth gold medal at Glasgow 2014, his success sparked a rise in members at Ayr Diving Club.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

She snatched the medal out of Mr. Lemoncello’s hand, twirled around, and dangled her new prize in front of Team Kyle.

From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

• gold
• reward