Presidential Medal of Freedom

American

noun

a medal awarded by the president of the U.S. to any citizen who has made an exceptionally meritorious contribution to the security or national interest of the U.S., to world peace, or to cultural or other significant endeavors.

Etymology

Origin of Presidential Medal of Freedom

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65; originally, its name was Medal of Freedom, established in 1945 by President Harry S. Truman to honor civilian serivce in World War II; its name was changed to its current name by President John F. Kennedy in 1963.

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.

After Chavez’s death in 1993, he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2026

Messi, 38, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former president Joe Biden January 2025, the highest civilian honor in the United States, but did not attend the ceremony at the White House.

From Barron's • Feb. 28, 2026

He gave out two Medals of Honor, a Purple Heart and a Presidential Medal of Freedom during his speech.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

President Biden awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2024.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 6, 2025

That day, President Obama awarded me the highest honor our nation can award a civilian: the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023