medallion

American  

[muh-dal-yuhn] / məˈdæl yən /

noun

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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Etymology

Origin of medallion

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

Example Sentences

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

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

Past a blooming gold medallion tree, and and at the end of a path of spaced concrete tiles, there’s a shed with a seafoam-green door that houses the heart of his life’s work.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 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

In the morning, Taisin drew out the medallion and cupped it in her hands.

From "Huntress" by Malinda Lo

Related Words

• emblem
• jewelry
• necklace