badge

[ baj ]

noun

1. a special or distinctive mark, token, or device worn as a sign of allegiance, membership, authority, achievement, etc.:

   a police badge;

   a merit badge.

   Synonyms: earmark, hallmark, seal, shield, insignia

2. any emblem, token, or distinctive mark:

   He thinks rich people buy art mainly as a badge of their sophistication and success.

3. a card bearing identifying information, as one's name, symbol or place of employment, or academic affiliation, and often worn pinned to one's clothing.
4. Digital Technology. digital badge ( def ).

verb (used with object)

, badged, badg·ing.

1. to furnish or mark with a badge.

badge

/ bædʒ /

noun

1. a distinguishing emblem or mark worn to signify membership, employment, achievement, etc
2. any revealing feature or mark

Other Words From

• badgeless adjective
• un·badged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of badge¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English baggys (plural); akin to Anglo-French bage “badge, emblem”; further origin unknown

Word History and Origins

Origin of badge¹

C14: from Norman French bage ; related to Anglo-Latin bagia

Example Sentences

For his military service, he was decorated with two Bronze Stars, as well as a Combat Infantryman Badge.

From Los Angeles Times

Passionately hating law enforcement for murdering her parents, Vi at first rejects the badge Caitlyn offers her early in their burgeoning romance.

From Salon

It is perhaps not a coincidence that when Vi and Caitlyn finally consummate their relationship, the literal seduction is linked to Vi’s figurative succumbing to Caitlyn’s politics: She accepts the badge, with all of the raw emotion of a zealous new recruit to a supposedly noble cause.

From Salon

“When you win the MLS Cup, you earn that star above the badge,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

One says he wanted a uniform and a badge, comparing himself to a paramedic or firefighter.

From BBC

Related Words

• identification
• insignia
• marker
• medallion
• pin
• ribbon
• stamp
• symbol
• token