medallion
Americannoun
-
a large medal.
-
anything resembling a medal in form, used as an ornament, in a design, etc.
-
a permit issued by a governmental agency to operate a taxicab, usually represented by a small metal identification disk displayed on the taxi.
-
Architecture.
-
a tablet, usually rounded, often bearing objects represented in relief.
-
a member in a decorative design resembling a panel.
-
noun
-
a large medal
-
an oval or circular decorative device resembling a medal, usually bearing a portrait or relief moulding, used in architecture and textile design
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.
Vocabulary lists containing medallion
Dactyl Hill Squad
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Let Me Hear a Rhyme
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Castle in the Attic
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As if to underline the point, he wore a medallion around his neck featuring NBC’s peacock logo.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026
Nundu carried a framed photo of Baba Simeo Melchior -- the so-called "Black Messiah" -- who eyes the camera with his hands clasped and a large medallion around his neck.
From Barron's • Dec. 25, 2025
Look for a cast iron medallion of a bulldog on the building’s exterior to indicate you’re in the right place.
From Salon • Dec. 3, 2024
Each of Powers’ pieces contains a gold sports medallion, usually disguised, in homage to her years playing for an award-winning senior women’s three-on-three basketball team.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 14, 2024
Wordlessly, her skin buzzing where the medallion radiated heat, she pulled the chain over her head and held it out to him.
From "Huntress" by Malinda Lo
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
