What does medalist mean?
A medalist is a person who wins or receives a medal, most often for performance in a sporting event or other competition. The term is especially associated with athletics, the Olympic Games, and organized contests in which competitors are recognized for first-, second-, or third-place finishes. It can also refer more broadly to anyone who has earned a medal for achievement or service. “Medalist” is commonly used in British and American English, with American spelling generally written “medalist” and British spelling commonly “medallist.” The word carries a positive connotation because medals signify distinction, excellence, and public recognition. In everyday conversation, “winner” or “champion” may be more general, but “medalist” is particularly appropriate when the specific achievement involves receiving a medal.
nounA person who wins or is awarded a medal, especially in a sporting or competitive event.
- A person who wins or is awarded a medal, especially in a sporting or competitive event.
"The young swimmer became a national medalist after winning three gold medals at the championships."
"Each medalist received a place on the podium."
"The country's leading medalist announced her retirement from international competition."
The regular plural is “medalists”; British English also commonly uses the spelling “medallists.”
"The medalists were announced before the closing ceremony."
From medal to medalist: the suffix “-ist” turns the award itself into the person who earns it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does medalist come from?
“Medalist” is formed from “medal” plus the suffix “-ist,” which denotes a person associated with an activity or achievement. “Medal” comes through French from Italian “medaglia,” ultimately from Latin “metallum,” meaning metal. The related English forms include “medallion” and the British variant “medallist,” which reflect the same medal-based origin.
How medalist is actually used
The word is primarily used in formal and sporting contexts. American English generally uses “medalist,” while British English commonly uses “medallist.”
Easily confused with medalist
Medallist is the traditional British spelling, while medalist is the standard spelling in American English; both refer to a person who receives a medal.