What does medaling mean?
Medaling is the present participle and gerund of medal, meaning to compete for medals or to win or receive one. It is especially common in reporting about athletics, gymnastics, swimming, and other competitive events: a runner may be described as medaling in a race, while an entire team may be recognized for medaling at a championship. The word can carry positive connotations because medals symbolize achievement, distinction, and the effort required to reach a high level of performance. It can also refer more broadly to the activity of earning awards or honors. American English normally spells the word medaling, whereas British English generally uses medalling. The related phrase medal-winning is useful as an adjective, describing a person, team, or performance that has earned a medal. Medaling is thus both a specific sporting term and a broader description of taking part in contests where success is publicly recognized.
verbTo compete in a contest for medals; to win or receive a medal. As a gerund, it can also refer to the activity or practice of winning medals.
- To participate in a contest for medals.
- To win or receive a medal.
"The young gymnast trained for years before medaling at the international competition."
"The young gymnast trained for years before medaling at the international competition."
"At the ceremony, she was recognized for medaling in both individual and team events."
A word born of metal now carries the hopes of athletes and the pride of nations.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does medaling come from?
Medaling is formed in English from medal by adding the present-participle and gerund ending -ing. Medal was borrowed through Old French medaille, from medieval Latin forms ultimately associated with Latin metallum, meaning metal. Its modern sporting sense developed through the practice of awarding medals in competitions, while cognates such as medallion, medallic, and medalist belong to the same lexical family.
Related word forms
How medaling is actually used
Medaling is the usual American spelling; British English generally uses medalling. It is standard in both competitive and ceremonial contexts, though the phrase medal-winning is often more concise when describing an athlete or performance.
Easily confused with medaling
Medalling is the usual British spelling of the same word, while medaling is the standard American spelling.
Medaling means competing for or receiving a medal, whereas meddling means interfering in matters that are not one's concern.