Medallion

/məˈdæliən/

nounmedium📊CommonArts
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A piece of jewelry or an ornament in the shape of a medal or a decorative plaque, often worn as a pendant.

/məˈdæliən/

nounneutralmedium
Arts

A decorative pendant or plaque, usually circular or oval.

She received a medallion for her bravery during the storm.

💡 Simply: Imagine a fancy, usually round or oval, decoration you might wear around your neck like a necklace. It's a medallion! Sometimes they have pictures or designs on them, like a special badge or a mini piece of art.

👶 For kids: A pretty, round or oval thing you can wear around your neck that looks like a special prize.

More Examples

2

The antique shop sold a beautiful silver medallion engraved with a mythological scene.

3

He carefully polished the family medallion, a treasured heirloom.

How It's Used

Art & Jewelry

"The queen wore a gold medallion depicting her family crest."

History

"Archaeologists discovered a Roman medallion in the ruins of the ancient city."

2

A large medal, especially one awarded for a special achievement.

/məˈdæliən/

nounneutralmedium
General

A large or decorative medal.

The winning team received gold medallions at the awards ceremony.

💡 Simply: It's like a big, special award medal, usually given for something really important or impressive.

👶 For kids: A big shiny medal!

More Examples

2

The historical society displayed a collection of commemorative medallions.

How It's Used

Awards

"The athlete was presented with a medallion after winning the championship."

Tip:Large like a lion, a significant medal, a medallion!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

a medallion of honor

A prestigious award, often a medal, given for exceptional service or bravery.

"The veteran was awarded a Medallion of Honor for his service during the war."

From Middle French *medaillon*, augmentative of *médaille* (medal), from Italian *medaglia*, from Late Latin *medalia* (medal).

Medallions have been used since ancient times, often as symbols of status, power, or achievement.

Memory tip

Think of a 'medal' that's 'lion'-sized (or just decorative), it's a medallion.

Word Origin

LanguageMiddle French
Original meaning

"Large medal or pendant"

Base: medal
gold medallionsilver medallionfamily medallionantique medallionaward a medallion

Common misspellings

medalionmedalmedalion

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written