insignia

[in-sig-nee-uh]

noun

insigne , insignia, insignias .

1. a badge or distinguishing mark of office or honor.

   a military insignia.

2. a distinguishing mark or sign of anything.

   an insignia of mourning.

insignia

/ ɪnˈsɪɡnɪə /

noun

1. a badge or emblem of membership, office, or dignity

2. a distinguishing sign or mark

Usage

Insignia, originally the plural of Latin insigne, began to be used as a singular in the 18th century, and the plural insignias appeared shortly thereafter. All uses— insignia as a singular or plural and insignias as a plural—are fully standard. The singular insigne still occurs, but insignia is more common.

Word History and Origins

Origin of insignia¹

1640–50; < Latin, plural of insigne mark, badge, noun use of neuter of insignis distinguished (by a mark); in- ², sign

Word History and Origins

Origin of insignia¹

C17: from Latin: marks, badges, from insignis distinguished by a mark, prominent, from _in- ² + signum mark

Example Sentences

Guest visits to Cracker Barrel declined after the company changed its logo away from the traditional insignia last month, with the drops concentrated in the Southeast.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

At the commission's headquarters near Arras, Stephan showed us trays of objects which had been found there, including parts of boots, rusted belt buckles, shoulder badges, buttons and regimental insignia.

Read more on BBC

At the helm of a massive shiny black truck bearing the Teamsters insignia, a driver clenched a cigar between his teeth as he steered with one hand and pulled an overhead horn with the other.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The agency’s insignia was torn from the entryway.

Read more on Salon

Guerrero-Cruz told Becerra he did not recall any agency insignia worn by the men who took him and who talked about the $1,500.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• badge 
• coat of arms 
• decoration 
• ensign 
• paraphernalia 
• regalia 
• symbol