medal

[med-l]

noun

1. a flat piece of metal, often a disk but sometimes a cross, star, or other form, usually bearing an inscription or design, issued to commemorate a person, action, or event, or given as a reward for bravery, merit, or the like.

   a gold medal for the best swimmer.

2. a similar object bearing a religious image, as of a saint.

   a Saint Christopher's medal.

verb (used with object)

medaled, medaling , medalled, medalling .

1. to decorate or honor with a medal.

verb (used without object)

medaled, medaling , medalled, medalling .

1. to receive a medal, especially in a sporting event.

   He medaled in three of four races.

medal

/ mɪˈdælɪk, ˈmɛdəl /

noun

1. a small flat piece of metal bearing an inscription or image, given as an award or commemoration of some outstanding action, event, etc

verb

1. (tr) to honour with a medal

2. informal,  (intr) (in sport) to win a medal

Other Word Forms

• medallic adjective
• unmedaled adjective
• unmedalled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of medal¹

1580–90; earlier medaille < Middle French < Italian medaglia copper coin worth a halfpenny < Vulgar Latin *medalia, variant (by dissimilation) of Late Latin mediālia, noun use of neuter plural (taken as feminine singular) of mediālis medial

Word History and Origins

Origin of medal¹

C16: from French médaille, probably from Italian medaglia, ultimately from Latin metallum _metal

Example Sentences

After winning his first Olympic medal last year and silver at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore last month, Proud felt "the most content with my career that I've ever been".

From BBC

A gold medal in Paris with the New Zealand sevens team followed last year, making Miller her country's youngest-ever Olympic champion.

From BBC

Great North Run organisers have apologised after medals given to participants in this year's event featured the wrong city and river.

From BBC

She said "everyone wants a gold medal" - but the style of amateur boxing put her off.

From BBC

Actually, I was kind of discussing that with Michael Phelps, because he heard that I auctioned my medals.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gold 
• reward