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

UK Sport began distributing National Lottery funding to Olympic and Paralympic sports in May 1997, allocating it according to medal potential.

From BBC

He won the First Division title with Leeds in 1974 and earned a runners-up medal in the FA Cup, European Cup and Cup Winners Cup.

From BBC

When Blackburn won the title, in 1995, for instance, Batty could not bring himself to pick up a medal after missing the majority of the season with a broken foot.

From BBC

Inside, officers uncovered a pristine military uniform, medals and a ceremonial sword - a weapon that had first sparked suspicions.

From BBC

Serving and former service personnel had become suspicious of the supposed Rear Admiral - the third highest rank in the Royal Navy - when they saw his sword and the rare Distinguished Service Order medal.

From BBC

Related Words

• gold
• reward