medalist

[ med-l-ist ]

noun

1. a person to whom a medal has been awarded.
2. (in a golf tournament) the player having the lowest score in a qualifying round scored by strokes.
3. a designer, engraver, or maker of medals.

Word History and Origins

Origin of medalist¹

1965–70; < French médailliste < Italian medaglista. See medal, -ist

Example Sentences

The three-time Olympic gold medalist on Wednesday announced his engagement to “The Vampire Diaries” alum Nina Dobrev after five years of dating.

From Los Angeles Times

How much easier might that very difficult shot have been had he been the reigning US Open champion or winner of the Irish Open or an Olympic medalist?

From BBC

“Adam’s leadership shines through,” said Johnson, a two-time gold medalist and winner of multiple world championships.

From Los Angeles Times

Evan Medell of the U.S., a bronze medalist in taekwondo, wants sports federations to throw more marketing weight behind his and other sports.

From Los Angeles Times

Coming out on top in the women’s division was Caitlin Simmers, beating out Olympic gold medalist Caroline Marks.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• challenger
• champ
• defender
• hero
• number one
• winner