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:
With distinct Gothic-style design details and appearances in many movies and TV shows, Los Feliz’s Shakespeare Bridge has become a prized neighborhood emblem.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 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
A hubbub filled the room, bathed in pink-red light, mirroring the party's red rose emblem.
From Barron's ● Sep. 13, 2026
An image of a quadriga, a four-horse chariot, from one of the collection’s numerous antique coins, became the foundation’s emblem, symbolizing its four pillars: culture, education, science and philanthropy.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026
Today the Gateway of the Sun is the postcard emblem of Tiwanaku.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
Traditional European landscape painting, rooted in Poussin and Claude, had always depended on parklike emblems of the Arcadian, or at least on signs of man’s dominion.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 1, 2026
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
Several parents criticised schools for using logos and emblems on multiple items, meaning they cannot buy generic versions for cheaper.
From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2025
Donning custom button-up shirts with matching shorts, they proudly pointed out the emblems pressed onto their kits — symbols of home.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 5, 2025
James looked back and forth between the two emblems.
From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
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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.
