emblem

[ em-bluhm ]

noun

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.

verb (used with object)

1. to represent with an emblem.

emblem

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˌemblemˈatic, adjective
• ˌemblemˈatically, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of emblem¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of emblem¹

C15: from Latin emblēma raised decoration, mosaic, from Greek, literally: something inserted, from emballein to insert, from ballein to throw

Example Sentences

We cannot allow the emblem of irresponsibility to attach to the conservative banner.

From Washington Post

Both counties have traditionally been rural emblems of the Old South, their picturesque central squares dominated by clock-tower-topped courthouses.

From Washington Post

Mustering the last reserves of her strength, the eagle gazes at a tower in the distance and summons from it a golden eagle emblem that she gives to the Hunter, which causes a gate to open in a nearby stone wall.

From Washington Post

By using her spirit vision the Hunter to see gold traces of other emblems in the vicinity.

From Washington Post

Instead, the “RR” emblems remain perpetually upright and composed, as one would expect from a Rolls-Royce.

From Popular-Science

In the latest, Frank is pushing 70 but he remains a fascinating emblem of his times.

From The Daily Beast

I personally prefer the Ukrainian official flag, and the emblem of Lviv—a kind looking lion—to a Swastika.

From The Daily Beast

Ehsan's fusion of artforms is a winning emblem of the happy marriage of fashion and art.

From The Daily Beast

The Pahonia, emblem of the Belarusian nation drawn from the insignia of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, is banned under Lukashenko.

From The Daily Beast

This was the emblem of King Richard II, who was saved from killing a white deer, which in British legend is terribly bad luck.

From The Daily Beast

Why did Ricetto, Bruno and Servetus in the hour of martyrdom turn with loathing from that sacred emblem, the crucifix?

From Project Gutenberg

Henry Clay Frick, in absolute control of the firm, incarnates the spirit of the furnace, is the living emblem of his trade.

From Project Gutenberg

This is rather hard on the dog, who certainly cannot be considered the emblem of wickedness and hypocrisy.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence this Christian emblem became the object of scoffing and derision by the persecuting heathen.

From Project Gutenberg

His emblem is the human-headed winged lion seen at the entrance of royal palaces.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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