medal

American  

[med-l] / ˈmɛd l /

noun

1. a flat piece of metal, often a disk but sometimes a cross, star, or other form, usually bearing an inscription or design, issued to commemorate a person, action, or event, or given as a reward for bravery, merit, or the like.

   a gold medal for the best swimmer.

2. a similar object bearing a religious image, as of a saint.

   a Saint Christopher's medal.

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verb (used with object)

medaled, medaling, medalled, medalling

1. to decorate or honor with a medal.

verb (used without object)

medaled, medaling, medalled, medalling

1. to receive a medal, especially in a sporting event.

   He medaled in three of four races.

medal British  

/ mɪˈdælɪk, ˈmɛdəl /

noun

1. a small flat piece of metal bearing an inscription or image, given as an award or commemoration of some outstanding action, event, etc

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verb

1. (tr) to honour with a medal

2. informal (intr) (in sport) to win a medal

Other Word Forms

• medallic adjective
• unmedaled adjective
• unmedalled adjective

Etymology

Origin of medal

1580–90; earlier medaille < Middle French < Italian medaglia copper coin worth a halfpenny < Vulgar Latin *medalia, variant (by dissimilation) of Late Latin mediālia, noun use of neuter plural (taken as feminine singular) of mediālis medial

Example Sentences

At Milan Cortina, Italy’s Winter Olympians produced their best ever medal haul to finish behind only powerhouses Norway and Team USA.

From The Wall Street Journal

Women's rights campaigners - who have argued for years that female athletes have been cheated out of medals and fairness by having to compete against biological males - have hailed the decision.

From BBC

I heard Zara promise to represent me and accept my medal if I didn’t get back in time.

From Literature

When time slots open, fans can shop for tickets based on sport, venue location, price and medal event.

From Los Angeles Times

Wilson competed at the 2024 Olympic Games as a 16-year-old running a leg in the qualifying for the 4x400 relay and earning a gold medal when the team won in the finals.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gold
• reward