heraldry

American  

[her-uhl-dree] / ˈhɛr əl dri /

noun

plural

heraldries

1. the science of armorial bearings.

2. the art of blazoning armorial bearings, of settling the rights of persons to bear arms or to use certain bearings, of tracing and recording genealogies, of recording honors, and of deciding questions of precedence.

3. the office or duty of a herald.

4. a heraldic device, or a collection of such devices.

5. a coat of arms; armorial bearings.

6. heraldic symbolism.

7. heraldic pomp or ceremony.

   The coronation was marked by all the magnificence of heraldry.

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heraldry British  

/ ˈhɛrəldrɪ /

noun

1. the occupation or study concerned with the classification of armorial bearings, the allocation of rights to bear arms, the tracing of genealogies, etc

2. the duties and pursuit of a herald

3. armorial bearings, insignia, devices, etc

4. heraldic symbols or symbolism

5. the show and ceremony of heraldry

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Other Word Forms

• heraldist noun

Etymology

Origin of heraldry

1350–1400; Middle English. See herald, -ry

Explanation

Heraldry is the study of designs on coats of arms — the official symbols or emblems of royal and noble families — which have appeared on flags and shields throughout history. Heraldry is the art of designing emblems that are meant to represent families, states, or organizations, as well as the study of the significance behind the designs, including family genealogies. The original function of heraldry was to distinguish troops from each other, making it clear who soldiers were fighting with and against. The ancient root of the word heraldry means "war."

Example Sentences

The B-52s are heading to the UK in June, as part of their ever-extending farewell tour, and Pierson is using the trip as an excuse to indulge her fascination with British heraldry.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

As the remaining spellers dwindled, Shradha was given “orle,” a heraldry term that means several small charges arranged to form a border within the edge of a field.

From Seattle Times • May 28, 2024

These are disparate images, some historical, some contemporary, all variations on the circle: heraldry, Aztec symbols, currency, images of the sun and of star patterns, a manhole cover, a disco ball.

From New York Times • May 21, 2024

Interestingly, dragons of yore had to be dominated or defeated; their occasional use in heraldry and art was meant to impress and inspire awe.

From Salon • Sep. 24, 2022

Like so much else, heraldry ended at the Wall.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

Related Words

• logo
• symbol
• trademark