medal

American  

[med-l] / ˈmɛd l /

noun

1. a flat piece of metal, often a disk but sometimes a cross, star, or other form, usually bearing an inscription or design, issued to commemorate a person, action, or event, or given as a reward for bravery, merit, or the like.

   a gold medal for the best swimmer.

2. a similar object bearing a religious image, as of a saint.

   a Saint Christopher's medal.

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verb (used with object)

medaled, medaling, medalled, medalling

1. to decorate or honor with a medal.

verb (used without object)

medaled, medaling, medalled, medalling

1. to receive a medal, especially in a sporting event.

   He medaled in three of four races.

medal British  

/ mɪˈdælɪk, ˈmɛdəl /

noun

1. a small flat piece of metal bearing an inscription or image, given as an award or commemoration of some outstanding action, event, etc

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verb

1. (tr) to honour with a medal

2. informal (intr) (in sport) to win a medal

Other Word Forms

• medallic adjective
• unmedaled adjective
• unmedalled adjective

Etymology

Origin of medal

1580–90; earlier medaille < Middle French < Italian medaglia copper coin worth a halfpenny < Vulgar Latin *medalia, variant (by dissimilation) of Late Latin mediālia, noun use of neuter plural (taken as feminine singular) of mediālis medial

Example Sentences

The final medals from Milan-Cortina 2026 were awarded in the women's and men's 50 km mass start cross-country skiing events, before a tribute to the Games volunteers.

From BBC

His unabashed patriotism was as inspiring as his winning overtime goal for the Olympic hockey gold medal.

From The Wall Street Journal

If someone had told you 16 days ago that Team GB would win three gold medals at the Winter Olympics, would you have believed it?

From BBC

On Sunday, the U.S. men’s hockey team defeated Canada 2-1 in sudden-death overtime to capture the country’s first gold medal since that glorious run in upstate New York.

From The Wall Street Journal

The medal was the 33rd of these Games for the U.S. and the 12th gold, most by an American team in the Winter Olympics.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gold
• reward