emblem
Americannoun
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an object or its representation, symbolizing a quality, state, class of persons, etc.; symbol.
The olive branch is an emblem of peace.
-
a sign, design, or figure that identifies or represents something.
the emblem of a school.
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an allegorical picture, often inscribed with a motto supplemental to the visual image with which it forms a single unit of meaning.
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Obsolete. an inlaid or tessellated ornament.
verb (used with object)
noun
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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
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an allegorical picture containing a moral lesson, often with an explanatory motto or verses, esp one printed in an emblem book
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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.
Vocabulary lists containing emblem
Words from the 4th of July Songbook
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On Your Mark, Get Set, Commence Your Life!
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"The Devil and Tom Walker" by Washington Irving
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
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
The most visible were the pre-revolutionary flags bearing the Lion and Sun emblem.
From BBC ● Jun. 16, 2026
That buyback replaces a prior authorization from March 2019, some two years before the company became the emblem of the meme-stock movement.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 2, 2026
As one of Mattel’s longtime designers, Sweet is credited with developing He-Man, which became an emblem of childhood entertainment in the 1980s.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 19, 2026
She cut out a picture of the moon and pinned it to her shirt like the emblem of a superhero.
From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova
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
He told me about this 1968 Dodge Charger R/T he had seen with emblems of the Cincinnati Bengals football team.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2025
Beloved longtime businesses and emblems of the local canon — also wiped out.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 8, 2025
Wilmore’s personal kit includes a set of gold rings designed with emblems resembling the U.S.
From Salon ● Nov. 22, 2024
Most wear their emblems on their clothing, near the spot where they're marked.
From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
