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

His shoulder insignia showed four stars instead of the marshal’s star.

From The Daily Beast

They were elegant Navy artillery pieces, with an anchor insignia likely stamped on the barrel.

From Washington Post

They are accused of forcing entry through the Capitol’s East Rotunda doors after marching single-file up the steps wearing camouflaged combat uniforms, tactical vests with plates, helmets, eye protection and Oath Keepers insignia.

From Washington Post

Police said that during his arrest they found in his bag two high-capacity ammunition magazines, which are illegal to possesses in the District, adorned with Proud Boys insignia.

From Washington Post

When I earned my submarine warfare qualification, the Captain pinned the gold dolphins insignia on my uniform and gave me the proverbial keys to the $4 billion warship.

From Nautilus

“We faced these issues of combatants without insignia in Iraq and Afghanistan,” he said.

From The Daily Beast

U.S. defense officials told The Daily Beast the photos of the Russian insignia first shared on blogs were legitimate.

From The Daily Beast

A fourth soldier was too far away for his insignia to be seen.

From The Daily Beast

Pat Roberts' car bears the insignia of a Chrysler dealership in Maryland.

From The Daily Beast

Subject has military bearing, short haircut, brought a military uniform or wears the Cossack chevron insignia.

From The Daily Beast

It came from our ancestors, the Gauls, and has remained the insignia of our national character.

From Project Gutenberg

They are designed into pins and certain insignia, and used in a hundred other ways.

From Project Gutenberg

The leader wore a button, the insignia of non-commissioned rank.

From Project Gutenberg

Ankova did not ask their mission for he saw that they wore the insignia that meant loyalty to the man from the Fourth World.

From Project Gutenberg

Prisca omnium familiarum Scaliger stirpis insignia sunt, aut Scala singularis, aut Canes utrinque scal innitentes.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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