badge

American  

[baj] / bædʒ /

noun

1. a special or distinctive mark, token, or device worn as a sign of allegiance, membership, authority, achievement, etc..

   a police badge;

   a merit badge.

   Synonyms:

   earmark, hallmark, seal, shield, insignia

2. any emblem, token, or distinctive mark.

   He thinks rich people buy art mainly as a badge of their sophistication and success.

3. a card bearing identifying information, as one's name, symbol or place of employment, or academic affiliation, and often worn pinned to one's clothing.

4. Digital Technology. digital badge.

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verb (used with object)

badged, badging

1. to furnish or mark with a badge.

badge British  

/ bædʒ /

noun

1. a distinguishing emblem or mark worn to signify membership, employment, achievement, etc

2. any revealing feature or mark

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Usage

What does badge mean? A badge is a small object or card used to identify oneself in an official way. Most commonly, badge refers to the small metal medallion worn or carried by police officers or other law enforcement members. They’re often shaped like shields or stars. Badge also commonly refers to the official identification card of a worker, especially one that’s pinned to their clothing or worn on a lanyard or cord around their neck. Such badges are often used for security purposes—having a badge allows a worker to enter the building or access certain parts of it. Example: You pull another stunt like that and I’ll have you turn in your badge, Officer Hotshot!

Other Word Forms

• badgeless adjective
• unbadged adjective

Etymology

Origin of badge

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English baggys (plural); akin to Anglo-French bage “badge, emblem”; further origin unknown

Example Sentences

Nike have recently relaunched their T90 collection, and Adidas' 2026 World Cup away jerseys have the Adidas original Trefoil badge on the chest after 36 years, a re-interpretation of the classic '90s look.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

“The administration wants to find a happy medium there, whether it’s a nameplate or a badge number,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

In order to find his brother’s killer, Igor joins the police, where, as a “combat veteran, a scout, with an excellent legal and physical training,” he’s immediately given a badge and the rank of lieutenant.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

Some workers who know they should be using AI might think blasting through tokens will earn them a badge of honor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

Mother was reluctant to be pulled into the dispute but didn’t see a way out, so he showed his badge to Olivia.

From "City Spies" by James Ponti

Related Words

• identification
• insignia
• marker
• medallion
• pin
• ribbon
• stamp
• symbol
• token