badge

[baj]

noun

1. a special or distinctive mark, token, or device worn as a sign of allegiance, membership, authority, achievement, etc..

   a police badge;

   a merit badge.

   Synonyms: earmark, hallmark, seal, shield, insignia

2. any emblem, token, or distinctive mark.

   He thinks rich people buy art mainly as a badge of their sophistication and success.

3. a card bearing identifying information, as one's name, symbol or place of employment, or academic affiliation, and often worn pinned to one's clothing.

4. Digital Technology.,  digital badge.

verb (used with object)

badged, badging 

1. to furnish or mark with a badge.

badge

/ bædʒ /

noun

1. a distinguishing emblem or mark worn to signify membership, employment, achievement, etc

2. any revealing feature or mark

Other Word Forms

• badgeless adjective
• unbadged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of badge¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English baggys (plural); akin to Anglo-French bage “badge, emblem”; further origin unknown

Word History and Origins

Origin of badge¹

C14: from Norman French bage ; related to Anglo-Latin bagia

Example Sentences

The camera cuts to a blue-tinted law enforcement badge as the words, “You took an oath to protect and serve” flash on the screen.

From Los Angeles Times

All UK airports should stop charging blue badge holders for being dropped off close to terminals, a disability charity has said.

From BBC

The Kremlin has reiterated its absolute opposition to the presence of any Nato troops in Ukraine, under whatever badge.

From BBC

Prof Hamish Maxwell-Stewart, an academic specialising in convict life in Australia, said it used to be considered a "badge of shame" that Australia's origins "as a settler society were based on criminal transportation".

From BBC

Beth and her friends would use their pocket money in the late noughties to buy magnetic earrings, badges and toe rings from the accessories brand.

From BBC

Related Words

• identification 
• insignia 
• marker 
• medallion 
• pin 
• ribbon 
• stamp 
• symbol 
• token 

When To Use

What does badge mean?

A badge is a small object or card used to identify oneself in an official way. Most commonly, badge refers to the small metal medallion worn or carried by police officers or other law enforcement members. They’re often shaped like shields or stars.Badge also commonly refers to the official identification card of a worker, especially one that’s pinned to their clothing or worn on a lanyard or cord around their neck. Such badges are often used for security purposes—having a badge allows a worker to enter the building or access certain parts of it.Example: You pull another stunt like that and I’ll have you turn in your badge, Officer Hotshot!