medallion

[ muh-dal-yuhn ]

noun

1. a large medal.
2. anything resembling a medal in form, used as an ornament, in a design, etc.
3. a permit issued by a governmental agency to operate a taxicab, usually represented by a small metal identification disk displayed on the taxi.
4. Architecture.
   1. a tablet, usually rounded, often bearing objects represented in relief.
   2. a member in a decorative design resembling a panel.
5. médaillon.

medallion

/ mɪˈdæljən /

noun

1. a large medal
2. an oval or circular decorative device resembling a medal, usually bearing a portrait or relief moulding, used in architecture and textile design

Word History and Origins

Origin of medallion¹

1650–60; < French médaillon < Italian medaglione, augmentative of medaglia medal

Word History and Origins

Origin of medallion¹

C17: from French, from Italian medaglione, from medaglia medal

Example Sentences

Throughout the railway village is museum-style signage explaining the history, and bronze medallions built into the pavement marking out new heritage trails.

From BBC

Each of Powers’ pieces contains a gold sports medallion, usually disguised, in homage to her years playing for an award-winning senior women’s three-on-three basketball team.

From Los Angeles Times

Days after the festivities, Roemer, 76, was still basking in the glow of her success, her finalist medallion around her neck.

From New York Times

Giving the medallion to Holocaust survivors with fewer ties to USC is a shift.

From Los Angeles Times

County Attorney Rachel Mitchell told the Arizona Republic that one of Lord’s friends “had a chain with a medallion on it that was taken from him.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• emblem
• jewelry
• necklace