insignia

[ in-sig-nee-uh ]

noun

, formally a plural of insigne, but usually used as a singular with plural in·sig·ni·a or in·sig·ni·as.

1. a badge or distinguishing mark of office or honor:

   a military insignia.

2. a distinguishing mark or sign of anything:

   an insignia of mourning.

insignia

/ ɪnˈsɪɡnɪə /

noun

1. a badge or emblem of membership, office, or dignity
2. a distinguishing sign or mark

Usage Note

Insignia, originally the plural of Latin insigne, began to be used as a singular in the 18th century, and the plural insignias appeared shortly thereafter. All uses— insignia as a singular or plural and insignias as a plural—are fully standard. The singular insigne still occurs, but insignia is more common.

Word History and Origins

Origin of insignia¹

1640–50; < Latin, plural of insigne mark, badge, noun use of neuter of insignis distinguished (by a mark); in- ², sign

Word History and Origins

Origin of insignia¹

C17: from Latin: marks, badges, from insignis distinguished by a mark, prominent, from in- ² + signum mark

Example Sentences

The ceramic wreath, with the King's insignia at the centre, was hand-made by prisoners, a number of whom are ex-servicemen.

From BBC

On Tuesday, the FBI said in a news release that a fabricated video using its name and insignia falsely stated that Americans should “‘vote remotely’ due to a high terror threat at polling locations.”

From Los Angeles Times

Hollywood frequently gives the franchise free product placement putting the white-on-navy insignia on characters in movies and television shows, furthering its cultural reach.

From Los Angeles Times

The armoured convoys are sporting white triangular insignias, seemingly to distinguish them from hardware used within Ukraine itself.

From BBC

With the exception of the Olympics’ insignia, Venn diagrams are our most recognizable overlapping circles.

From Salon

Related Words

• badge
• coat of arms
• decoration
• ensign
• paraphernalia
• regalia
• symbol