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.
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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
- emblematic adjective
- emblematically adverb
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
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.
The film, which prompted moral outrage in the U.S. and was heavily edited before it reached theaters, made Bardot a star and an emblem of French modernity.
From Los Angeles Times
It features the floral emblems of the four nations of the UK, and after accepting Hartnell's eighth design for the dress, the Queen also requested the emblems of other states within the Commonwealth be included.
From BBC
Each winner will be presented with a specially designed trophy inspired by Manchester's bee emblem.
From BBC
In L.A., where her music became brighter and more colorful, so did the emblem.
From Los Angeles Times
AFP journalists spotted the pirate-like emblem, taken from the wildly popular Japanese manga series "One Piece", at protests in more than a dozen countries.
From Barron's
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.
