Purple Heart

noun

, U.S. Armed Forces.

1. a medal awarded for wounds received in action against an enemy or as a direct result of an act of the enemy.

Purple Heart

¹

noun

1. a decoration awarded to members of the US Armed Forces for a wound incurred in action

purple heart

²

noun

1. any of several tropical American leguminous trees of the genus Peltogyne
2. the decorative purple heartwood of any of these trees
3. informal.
   a heart-shaped purple tablet consisting mainly of amphetamine

Word History and Origins

Origin of Purple Heart¹

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35

Example Sentences

Trump's injury during the shooting inspired a Vietnam veteran to gift the former president his Purple Heart during a rally on Friday.

From Salon

A Vietnam veteran gifted Donald Trump his Purple Heart on stage at a campaign event on Friday.

From Salon

How does a draftee with a Purple Heart stack up against a volunteer who wasn’t wounded?

From Salon

After a roadside bomb ripped into his vehicle, Herring was awarded the Purple Heart and given the option to come home.

From Seattle Times

I think it deserves the tree equivalent of a Purple Heart for just surviving its surroundings all these years.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• badge
• ribbon