A medal is a small metal disc which is given as an award for bravery or as a prize in a sporting event.
Synonyms: decoration, order, award, honour More Synonyms of medal
medal in British English
(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
verbWord forms: -als, -alling, -alledWord forms: US-als, -aling or -aled
2. (transitive)
to honour with a medal
3. (intransitive) informal
(in sport) to win a medal
Derived forms
medallic (mɪˈdælɪk)
adjective
Word origin
C16: from French médaille, probably from Italian medaglia, ultimately from Latin metallummetal
medal in American English
(ˈmɛdəl)
noun
1.
a small, flat piece of metal with a design or inscription stamped or inscribed on it, made to commemorate some event, or awarded for some distinguished action, merit, etc.
2.
a similar piece of metal with a religious figure or design, worn or carried as an aid to piety
verb transitiveWord forms: ˈmedaled or ˈmedalled, ˈmedaling or ˈmedalling
3. Rare
to honor with a medal
Derived forms
medallic (meˈdallic) (məˈdælɪk)
adjective
Word origin
Fr médaille < It medaglia < VL *medalia, a small coin < *medialia < LL medialis, medial