emblem

American  

[em-bluhm] / ˈɛm bləm /

noun

• emblems
  plural

1. an object or its representation, symbolizing a quality, state, class of persons, etc.; symbol.

   The olive branch is an emblem of peace.

   Synonyms:

   badge, device, image, figure, sign, token

2. a sign, design, or figure that identifies or represents something.

   the emblem of a school.

3. an allegorical picture, often inscribed with a motto supplemental to the visual image with which it forms a single unit of meaning.

4. Obsolete. an inlaid or tessellated ornament.

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verb (used with object)

1. to represent with an emblem.

emblem British  

/ ˈɛmbləm /

noun

1. a visible object or representation that symbolizes a quality, type, group, etc, esp the concrete symbol of an abstract idea

   the dove is an emblem of peace

2. an allegorical picture containing a moral lesson, often with an explanatory motto or verses, esp one printed in an emblem book

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• emblematic
  adjective
• emblematically
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• emblems
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of emblem

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin emblēma inlaid or mosaic work < Greek émblēma something put on, equivalent to em- em- ² + blêma something thrown or put; compare embállein to throw in or on

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Explanation

An emblem is a design that stands for a group or a concept. If you’re Scottish, your family may have an emblem such as a coat of arms that symbolizes your heritage. Many countries have national emblems, which often feature an animal or other elements that represent significant parts of the country’s history. A national emblem is often shown on flags or official documents such as passports. An emblem can also be an object that represents an idea. An expensive skyscraper could be an emblem of greed, for example, or the apple tree you planted in your backyard could be an emblem of hope.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

emblem emblems

"It looks like it's docile, it looks like your Florida emblem, but it can be dangerous."

From BBC ● Oct. 17, 2026

Campbell’s goal in the 1940s, starting with America’s nerdy, unathletic boys, was to prepare the country to face a dangerous new age of science and technology, the emblem for which was the atomic bomb.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026

I don’t know how Warhol thought of his wigs, but I wanted it to be a sort of emblem of protection for him.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 24, 2026

Although Anderson was a quiet—at times reluctant—advocate for change, she became an emblem of the civil-rights movement.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026

So long, it sticks out over the bow like the emblem on an old car.

From "The Young Man and the Sea" by Rodman Philbrick

An interior ministry spokeswoman told Polish radio that the "many emblems and patches" on Oksinski's clothing were being analysed as part of the investigation.

From Barron's ● Nov. 9, 2026

But dimly visible on the left, an ointment jar and a small mirror, emblems of her previous life of luxury and sin, appear to have been discarded, signaling her entry into a new, virtuous existence.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 17, 2026

Supporters have been urged not to walk around the city and to avoid wearing club colours or emblems that identify them as Chelsea fans.

From BBC ● Jan. 27, 2026

Donning custom button-up shirts with matching shorts, they proudly pointed out the emblems pressed onto their kits — symbols of home.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 5, 2025

Lavish necklaces coil around their throats like collars, displaying their house emblems.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

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Related Words

• badge
• banner
• coat of arms
• flag
• image
• insignia
• logo
• marker
• memento
• motto
• reminder
• symbol
• trademark

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