What does award mean?
An award is a prize, honour, or mark of recognition conferred on someone in acknowledgement of achievement, distinction, or merit. The word appears across many domains: film festivals hand out awards for acting, universities award degrees and scholarships, courts award damages, and businesses award contracts. Used as a verb, 'to award' means to grant something officially after consideration — a jury may award a medal, or a judge may award compensation. Awards carry strongly positive connotations, signalling excellence and public recognition, though they can also denote neutral official decisions, as in arbitration. The word derives from Old French 'esguarder', related to watching over and judging carefully, which links it etymologically to words like 'warden' and 'reward'. Common derivatives include 'award-winning', used to describe celebrated work. Because awards are so embedded in how institutions recognise accomplishment, the term is essential vocabulary for discussing achievement in sport, arts, law, academia, and commerce.
A prize or mark of recognition given in honour of an achievement.
"He was presented with an award for lifetime achievement in science."
In legal contexts, 'award' can also refer to the amount of money decided by an arbitrator or court.
To give officially, especially as a prize or as a decision following deliberation.
"The committee awarded her first prize in the competition."
Standard plural; frequently used when referring to multiple prizes or ceremonies, e.g. 'industry awards'.
"The film swept all the major awards that season."
The word 'award' shares its ancient root with 'warden' — someone who watches over and guards things once also handed out prizes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of award
The English word 'award' comes from Anglo-Norman and Old French, ultimately from the Frankish-influenced Germanic root behind 'warden' — a base meaning to watch over or guard. It entered Middle English in the medieval period, when it referred both to a judicial decision and to the granting of something. Its close cousin 'reward' developed along the same Germanic root through Old French, which is why the two words look and sound alike today while having diverged in meaning.
Word family
Usage notes
'Award' carries formal and positive connotations; it is standard in legal, sporting, academic, and entertainment contexts. As a verb it is typically used with 'to': award something to someone. In British English it is also common to hear 'award' as a noun meaning the amount granted by a tribunal.
Don't confuse with
An 'award' is given for achievement or merit (often formally), while a 'reward' is given in return for service, effort, or good behaviour.