medal

/ˈmɛdl/

/ˈmɛdəl/

Other forms: medals; medalled; medalling

A medal is an award for some contest or achievement. You might win a medal for coming in third place at the cupcake baking championship.

A medal is often a flat piece of metal that's stamped with an inscription or design and is given in honor of winning a race, serving in battle, or another remarkable accomplishment. Scholars, athletes, and soldiers all might win medals. Originally, a medal was a "trinket," and it wasn't until the 18th century that it began to mean "reward for merit."

Definitions of medal

1. noun

   an award for winning a championship or commemorating some other event
   synonyms: decoration, laurel wreath, medallion, palm, ribbon

   types:

   Congressional Medal of Honor, Medal of Honor

   the highest U.S. military decoration awarded for bravery and valor in action `above and beyond the call of duty'

   Distinguished Service Medal

   a United States military decoration for meritorious service in wartime duty of great responsibility

   Distinguished Service Cross

   a United States Army decoration for extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy

   Navy Cross

   a United States Navy decoration for extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy

   Distinguished Flying Cross

   a United States Air Force decoration for heroism while participating in an aerial flight

   Air Medal

   a United States Air Force decoration for meritorious achievement while participating in an aerial flight

   Silver Star, Silver Star Medal

   a United States military decoration for gallantry in action

   Bronze Star, Bronze Star Medal

   a United States military decoration awarded for meritorious service (except in aerial flight)

   Order of the Purple Heart, Purple Heart

   a United States military decoration awarded to any member of the armed forces who is wounded in action

   Oak Leaf Cluster

   a United States military decoration consisting of bronze or silver oak leaves and acorns awarded to anyone who has won a given medal before

   Victoria Cross

   a British military decoration for gallantry

   Distinguished Conduct Medal

   a British military decoration for distinguished conduct in the field

   Distinguished Service Order

   a British military decoration for special service in action

   Croix de Guerre

   a French military decoration for gallantry

   Medaille Militaire

   a French military decoration

   type of:

   accolade, award, honor, honour, laurels

   a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction