badge

[baj]

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.

verb (used with object)

badged, badging 

1. to furnish or mark with a badge.

badge

/ bædʒ /

noun

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

2. any revealing feature or mark

Other Word Forms

• badgeless adjective
• unbadged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of badge¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of badge¹

C14: from Norman French bage ; related to Anglo-Latin bagia

Example Sentences

The 20 Squirrel Scouts had been taking part in nature activities on the Windsor Castle estate to earn their Go Wild badges.

From BBC

They are also finding people using badges belonging to family members without them present, and even badges of those who have died - which is illegal.

From BBC

It has been seen as a badge of honour by some on the left, but more often as an insult by those on the right.

From BBC

His supporters wore lapel pins in the shape of a badge.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's kinda funny, and it kinda goes to show the cultural impact and the resonance that our movement has been able to achieve. I look at this as a badge of honour," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

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

When To Use

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!