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

Explanation

A medal is an award for some contest or achievement. You might win a medal for coming in third place at the cupcake baking championship. A medal is often a flat piece of metal that's stamped with an inscription or design and is given in honor of winning a race, serving in battle, or another remarkable accomplishment. Scholars, athletes, and soldiers all might win medals. Originally, a medal was a "trinket," and it wasn't until the 18th century that it began to mean "reward for merit."

Example Sentences

Alice Keys and Grandmaster Flash are among the first batch of music legends set to be honored with the Black American Music Assn.’s new ICE Medal of Honor.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

St. Olaf awarded him a Founders Medal last year and said he and his family had donated more than $66.7 million to the college, beginning with a gift of $100 three years after his graduation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

He interrupts Medal of Honor ceremonies to talk about it.

From Slate • Apr. 28, 2026

Newby, 35, will later receive the George Medal, which recognises brave civilian acts.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Man, I think if we make it out of here we deserve a Medal of Honor or a Purple Heart.

From "Our America: Life and Death on the South Side of Chicago" by LeAlan Jones

Related Words

• gold
• reward