emblem

American  

[em-bluhm] / ˈɛm bləm /

noun

• emblems
  plural

1. an object or its representation, symbolizing a quality, state, class of persons, etc.; symbol.

   The olive branch is an emblem of peace.

   Synonyms:

   badge, device, image, figure, sign, token

2. a sign, design, or figure that identifies or represents something.

   the emblem of a school.

3. an allegorical picture, often inscribed with a motto supplemental to the visual image with which it forms a single unit of meaning.

4. Obsolete. an inlaid or tessellated ornament.

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verb (used with object)

1. to represent with an emblem.

emblem British  

/ ˈɛmbləm /

noun

1. a visible object or representation that symbolizes a quality, type, group, etc, esp the concrete symbol of an abstract idea

   the dove is an emblem of peace

2. an allegorical picture containing a moral lesson, often with an explanatory motto or verses, esp one printed in an emblem book

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• emblematic
  adjective
• emblematically
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• emblems
  plural

Etymology

Origin of emblem

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin emblēma inlaid or mosaic work < Greek émblēma something put on, equivalent to em- em- ² + blêma something thrown or put; compare embállein to throw in or on

Explanation

An emblem is a design that stands for a group or a concept. If you’re Scottish, your family may have an emblem such as a coat of arms that symbolizes your heritage. Many countries have national emblems, which often feature an animal or other elements that represent significant parts of the country’s history. A national emblem is often shown on flags or official documents such as passports. An emblem can also be an object that represents an idea. An expensive skyscraper could be an emblem of greed, for example, or the apple tree you planted in your backyard could be an emblem of hope.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

emblem emblems

I don’t know how Warhol thought of his wigs, but I wanted it to be a sort of emblem of protection for him.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 24, 2026

A hubbub filled the room, bathed in pink-red light, mirroring the party's red rose emblem.

From Barron's ● Sep. 13, 2026

He was widely recognized for decades as an emblem of resistance against the Western global order.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026

A letter announcing the ban on smartphones for all government employees started circulating on social media last week under the emblem of the Supreme Court, which has not responded to AFP's requests to comment.

From Barron's ● Jun. 17, 2026

Sefia put her hands on the emblem in the center of the door and glanced at Archer.

From "The Reader" by Traci Chee

They are clad variously in red porphyry, black basalt, gray granite and yellowish sandstone from nearby Montjuïc, with emblems symbolizing the four evangelists, the 12 apostles and an assortment of Catholic saints and geographic regions.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026

But dimly visible on the left, an ointment jar and a small mirror, emblems of her previous life of luxury and sin, appear to have been discarded, signaling her entry into a new, virtuous existence.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 17, 2026

Supporters have been urged not to walk around the city and to avoid wearing club colours or emblems that identify them as Chelsea fans.

From BBC ● Jan. 27, 2026

And as football sent him crisscrossing the United States, his homeland’s hues and emblems have come along for the ride.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 31, 2025

Their work boots and crew cuts said military to her, but they had no familiar identifying markers — no berets, no camouflage or flag emblems.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray

Related Words

• badge
• banner
• coat of arms
• flag
• image
• insignia
• logo
• marker
• memento
• motto
• reminder
• symbol
• trademark