Emblem
'em.bləm
Definitions
2 meaningsA symbolic object or design that represents something else, such as a nation, organization, or idea.
'em.bləm
A symbol or design used to represent something else.
The red rose is often used as an emblem of love.
💡 Simply: An emblem is like a special picture or design that stands for something else. Like, a heart is an emblem for love, or the golden arches are the emblem of McDonald's.
👶 For kids: An emblem is like a special picture or thing that means something else, like a badge!
More Examples
The Olympic rings are an emblem of the Olympic Games.
The lion is the emblem of strength and courage in many cultures.
How It's Used
"The dove is an emblem of peace."
"The company's logo is its emblem."
"The eagle was an emblem of the Roman Empire."
To serve as a symbol of something.
'em.bləm
To symbolize or represent.
The statue emblemizes the city's history.
💡 Simply: To emblem is to stand for something. Imagine a picture of a broken heart. That emblemizes sadness.
👶 For kids: To emblem means to stand for something!
More Examples
The sculpture emblemizes the spirit of the community.
The architecture emblemizes the era's values.
How It's Used
"The weathered stone wall emblemized the passage of time."
"The falling leaves emblemized the coming winter."
Idioms & expressions
a national emblem
A symbol representing a country.
"The bald eagle is the national emblem of the United States."
an emblem of hope
A symbol that represents hope.
"The rainbow is often seen as an emblem of hope."
From Old French *emblème*, from Latin *emblēma*, from Greek *émblēma* meaning 'insert, inlaid work'.
Used since the late 16th century, often in reference to heraldic devices and symbols representing ideas or groups.
Memory tip
Think of a flag. The flag of a country is an emblem.
Word Origin
"an object inlaid, insert"