medallion

American  

[muh-dal-yuhn] / məˈdæl jən /

noun

• medallions
  plural

1. a large medal.

2. anything resembling a medal in form, used as an ornament, in a design, etc.

3. a permit issued by a governmental agency to operate a taxicab, usually represented by a small metal identification disk displayed on the taxi.

4. Architecture.

   1. a tablet, usually rounded, often bearing objects represented in relief.

   2. a member in a decorative design resembling a panel.

5. médaillon.

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medallion British  

/ mɪˈdæljən /

noun

1. a large medal

2. an oval or circular decorative device resembling a medal, usually bearing a portrait or relief moulding, used in architecture and textile design

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• medallions
  plural

Etymology

Origin of medallion

1650–60; < French médaillon < Italian medaglione, augmentative of medaglia medal

Explanation

A medallion is a very large metal pendant that's given as an award. The medallion you won when you finished that marathon must be one of your most cherished possessions. Medallions are extra big medals, discs of metal stamped with a design on both sides. When they're given to mark some achievement, medallions are often suspended from a ribbon that's hung around the recipient's neck or pinned to their clothing. Another kind of medallion is a small disc of boneless meat. And although most taxi drivers do deserve a medal, a taxi medallion is a permit to drive a cab.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

medallion medallions

Anne miscarried, and the medallion was never issued.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 22, 2026

Zhao, a woman sporting an intricately carved gold medallion on a necklace of jade beads and shimmering bangles on her wrist, brought her late grandfather's ring to the recycling machine.

From Barron's ● Feb. 1, 2026

The medallion of venison on my plate came from a deer shot by one of the restaurant’s waiters who spends summers as a ghillie, a hunting and fishing guide.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 16, 2026

The new version features a new circular medallion at the center and a simpler ribbon loop that departs from the soft, multicolored loop historically associated with the ceremony.

From Salon ● Dec. 7, 2025

It was a round silver medallion with a jewel in the center, and in the depths of it a faint light glimmered.

From "Ash" by Malinda Lo

Recent requests have included Mexican peso designs, medallions and a glittery wand for a Sweet 16 gift.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 22, 2026

Boucaud counseled pairing it with the pork medallions, and he was so right.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2025

There are exquisite medallions and hair ornaments made from iridescent abalone shells and strings of Chumash currency — tiny, doughnut-shaped beads created from carefully cut olivella shells.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 25, 2025

Throughout the railway village is museum-style signage explaining the history, and bronze medallions built into the pavement marking out new heritage trails.

From BBC ● Aug. 24, 2024

Drogo tossed in the belt and watched without expression as the medallions turned red and began to lose their shape.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin

Related Words

• emblem
• jewelry
• necklace