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
Derived Forms
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.
The city’s emblem and its flag display the Santa Maria, Columbus’s flagship, which led the way in the trans-Atlantic voyage of 1492.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 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
"This constitutes a blatant double violation: obstructing the rescue efforts of a citizen known for her civic media activism, and targeting an ambulance clearly marked with the Red Cross emblem," the health ministry said.
From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026
That meant cutting off a coat’s emblem on the pocket, buttons and name tags in the lining, then taking what was left to a local funeral home for cremation.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026
The emblem on the copyright page was nearly identical to the Bayside Press logo, but instead of a seagull there was a black bird.
From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
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.
