medal

[ med-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.

verb (used with object)

, med·aled, med·al·ing or (especially British) med·alled, med·al·ling.

1. to decorate or honor with a medal.

verb (used without object)

, med·aled, med·al·ing or (especially British) med·alled, med·al·ling.

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

   He medaled in three of four races.

medal

/ 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

verb

1. tr to honour with a medal
2. informal.
   intr (in sport) to win a medal

Derived Forms

• medallic, adjective

Other Words From

• un·medaled adjective
• un·medalled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of medal¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of medal¹

C16: from French médaille, probably from Italian medaglia, ultimately from Latin metallum metal

Example Sentences

Dame Katherine is the only British woman to win medals in five successive Olympic games.

From BBC

Dickenson is one of only five BBC commentators to call Team GB gold medals in both the Summer and Winter Olympics.

From BBC

A medal from Captain James Cook's second voyage of discovery is due to be auctioned and could fetch up to £3,000.

From BBC

It was not the first time the four friends have gained a silver medal either - as part of the over 60s team, they came second in the European Cup in Antwerp, Belgium, in 2019.

From BBC

The Olympic medal was the only title he won in 2024 and he ended his season early after sustaining an unspecified injury.

From BBC

Related Words

• gold
• reward