medalist

especially British, med·al·list

[med-l-ist]

noun

1. a person to whom a medal has been awarded.

2. (in a golf tournament) the player having the lowest score in a qualifying round scored by strokes.

3. a designer, engraver, or maker of medals.

Word History and Origins

Origin of medalist¹

1965–70; < French médailliste < Italian medaglista. See medal, -ist

Example Sentences

There was no title at stake because a big, strong fighter named George Foreman, another Olympic gold medalist, had taken over the division and appeared invincible.

From Los Angeles Times

Orange Lutheran hopes it has struck gold by hiring three-time gold medalist Melissa Seidemann to be its new girls’ water polo coach.

From Los Angeles Times

Afterward, the snowboarding gold medalist posted pictures of the proposal on social media, calling it the best night of his life.

From Los Angeles Times

The seven-time Olympic gold medalist has been open about her mental health struggles during a career in which she has also won 23 world titles.

From Los Angeles Times

The two-time Olympic gold medalist hasn’t officially retired, but is ready to embark on a new career in medicine.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• challenger 
• champ 
• defender 
• hero 
• number one 
• winner