emblem
Americannoun
-
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.
-
an allegorical picture, often inscribed with a motto supplemental to the visual image with which it forms a single unit of meaning.
-
Obsolete. an inlaid or tessellated ornament.
verb (used with object)
noun
-
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
-
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.
Official emblem of the Greater Mumbai Police, with a hand holding up the scales of justice.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026
Official emblem of the Greater Mumbai Police, with a hand holding up the scales of justice.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026
She zoomed in on the school blazer and began trying to locate the school through its emblem.
From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026
After Porkchop swam off, several aquarium staffers gathered trash from the river, including roughly 20 golf balls, a Volkswagen car emblem, cut-up credit card, teal plastic line, a bottle cap.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026
Aviators man took in the Daffy Duck emblem.
From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray
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.
