trophy

/ˈtroʊfi/

/ˈtrʌʊfi/

Other forms: trophies

A trophy is a prize given for winning a competition. Often made of metal (or plastic meant to look like metal), a trophy may not have much monetary value, but the pride it gives the person who receives it can be priceless.

Trophy comes from the Greek word tropē, meaning "a turning, defeat of the enemy." It later came to mean "a monument of victory," which it still celebrates today. Think of the overjoyed actor who holds his Oscar — a trophy — in the air during his acceptance speech, or a team of eight year old soccer players who, in their group photo, hold their trophies in one hand while raising the index finger of their other hand, meaning "We're number one!"

Definitions of trophy

1. noun

   something given as a token of victory
   synonyms: prize

   types:

   apple of discord

   (classical mythology) a golden apple thrown into a banquet of the gods by Eris (goddess of discord--who had not been invited); the apple had `for the fairest' written on it and Hera and Athena and Aphrodite all claimed it; when Paris (prince of Troy) awarded it to Aphrodite it began a chain of events that led to the Trojan War

   booby prize

   a prize given to one who finishes last in a contest

   bronze medal

   a trophy made of bronze (or having the appearance of bronze) that is usually awarded for winning third place in a competition

   cup, loving cup

   a large metal vessel with two handles that is awarded as a trophy to the winner of a competition

   gold medal

   a trophy made of gold (or having the appearance of gold) that is usually awarded for winning first place in a competition

   silver, silver medal

   a trophy made of silver (or having the appearance of silver) that is usually awarded for winning second place in a competition

   Davis Cup

   cup awarded for the annual international team tennis competition

   wooden spoon

   a booby prize consisting of a spoon made of wood

   type of:

   accolade, award, honor, honour, laurels

   a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
2. noun

   an award for success in war or hunting
   type of:

   accolade, award, honor, honour, laurels

   a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction