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

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

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

A letter announcing the ban on smartphones for all government employees started circulating on social media last week under the emblem of the Supreme Court, which has not responded to AFP's requests to comment.

From Barron's ● Jun. 17, 2026

Lockheed Martin’s F-35 has become an emblem of European dependence on the U.S. for some parts of its defense.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 8, 2026

That buyback replaces a prior authorization from March 2019, some two years before the company became the emblem of the meme-stock movement.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 2, 2026

"This constitutes a blatant double violation: obstructing the rescue efforts of a citizen known for her civic media activism, and targeting an ambulance clearly marked with the Red Cross emblem," the health ministry said.

From BBC ● Apr. 23, 2026

The House of Perfumers' Le Nez emblem shines brightly on the door—a bouquet of flowers tickling the underside of a nose.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

Traditional European landscape painting, rooted in Poussin and Claude, had always depended on parklike emblems of the Arcadian, or at least on signs of man’s dominion.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 1, 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

It features the floral emblems of the four nations of the UK, and after accepting Hartnell's eighth design for the dress, the Queen also requested the emblems of other states within the Commonwealth be included.

From BBC ● Dec. 26, 2025

And as football sent him crisscrossing the United States, his homeland’s hues and emblems have come along for the ride.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 31, 2025

Their shiny Palace Infirmary emblems sparkle around their necks.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

Related Words

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