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 gate is adorned with a sculpted round medallion of Oseguera’s trademark, two roosters.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

Chinese startup iBuddi came to Las Vegas to present a prototype of a companion medallion aimed at combating screen fatigue.

From Barron's • Jan. 11, 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

Also, they usually include a fireproof ID medallion that crematory operators attach to the body before burning.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2025

From within, she removed a tiny scroll and a medallion on a long silver chain.

From "Huntress" by Malinda Lo

Related Words

• emblem
• jewelry
• necklace