What does medal mean?
A medal is a physical award or decoration that publicly recognizes achievement, service, or distinction. Medals are commonly associated with sporting competitions, military service, academic accomplishments, and ceremonial honours, and they may be named for their material or rank, as in a gold medal or bronze medal. The related verb means to award someone a medal or to honour them in this way. Although medals often signify personal accomplishment, they can also represent teamwork, institutional achievement, or state recognition. The word carries a generally positive and formal connotation, suggesting public recognition and pride. In everyday use, it can also mean simply to win or receive an award, especially in the context of competition.
A small metal award or decoration given for achievement, service, or distinction.
"The athlete won a gold medal in the 200 metres."
Often used in sports and ceremonial or military contexts.
To award someone a medal or publicly honour them for an achievement or service.
"The town wasmedalled the volunteers for their work during the flood."
Less common than award; the British spelling medalise is also established.
The standard plural of medal.
"The display case held the medals won by the national team."
From a small disc in ancient competitions to symbols of national honour, medals have long made achievement visible.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does medal come from?
The English noun comes through French from Latin medalia, a plural form of medale, meaning a metal ornament or prize. The word was historically associated with coins and monetary value before developing its modern sense of a commemorative award. The related forms medallion, medallist, and medallic developed from the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How medal is actually used
As a verb, medal is less common than award and is especially associated with formal ceremonies and public recognition. In British English, the form "medalise" is also used; American English more often uses "medal."
Easily confused with medal
A medal is an award or decoration, while to meddle means to interfere in matters that are not one's concern.
A medal is an award made from metal, while metal is the material itself or one of the chemical elements such as iron or gold.