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

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

Honorees will be the first to receive the updated ribbon and medallion, which production staff say will appear prominently in the televised broadcast, recorded this weekend and airing later this month on CBS.

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

There was considerable excitement and honor in winning, especially after Mother took a scrap of blue silk from her sewing basket and cut out a fine medallion, complete with long streamers.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly

Related Words

• emblem
• jewelry
• necklace