emblem
Americannoun
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emblems
plural
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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
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:
In 2024, the firm shortened its identity to just “Freshfields,” dropped the angelic emblem in external communications and began using block lettering more synonymous with online startups and streetwear brands.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026
I don’t know how Warhol thought of his wigs, but I wanted it to be a sort of emblem of protection for him.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 24, 2026
As a model and actress from the 1950s, she became an emblem of modern femininity and the sexual revolution before later taking up the cause of animal rights.
From BBC ● Sep. 20, 2026
A hubbub filled the room, bathed in pink-red light, mirroring the party's red rose emblem.
From Barron's ● Sep. 13, 2026
He doesn't wear a house emblem to identify himself.
From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton
They are clad variously in red porphyry, black basalt, gray granite and yellowish sandstone from nearby Montjuïc, with emblems symbolizing the four evangelists, the 12 apostles and an assortment of Catholic saints and geographic regions.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026
Supporters have been urged not to walk around the city and to avoid wearing club colours or emblems that identify them as Chelsea fans.
From BBC ● Jan. 27, 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
In the sea of people marching and chanting, the emblems of Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador and other countries were markers of the makeup of the community, she said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 13, 2025
Their work boots and crew cuts said military to her, but they had no familiar identifying markers — no berets, no camouflage or flag emblems.
From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
