noun
Uncommon
emblem
EHMB-luhm
Emblem (noun) means a symbol or design that represents an idea, organization, or quality, such as a badge or logo. Example: “The eagle is a common emblem of national pride.”
noun
1
A symbol or design that represents an idea, organization, or quality, such as a badge or logo.
"The eagle is a common emblem of national pride."
"Each sports team wears its own emblem on the jersey."
2
Something regarded as a representation of a broader idea or quality.
"The dove has long been an emblem of peace."
How to use emblem
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA symbol, badge, or image that stands for something else.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
national emblem
emblem of
wear an emblem
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Word forms
- Plural
- emblems
- Third person singular
- emblems
- Past tense
- emblemed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The eagle is a common _____ of national pride.
Etymology
From Old French embleme, from Latin emblema ("inlaid ornamental work"), ultimately from Greek emblema, "something put in" or inserted.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “emblem” mean?
The word “emblem” means a symbol or design that represents an idea, organization, or quality, such as a badge or logo. In plain terms, a symbol, badge, or image that stands for something else.
How do you pronounce “emblem”?
“Emblem” is pronounced EHMB-luhm (/ˈɛmbləm/ in IPA).
How do you use “emblem” in a sentence?
Here is “emblem” used in a sentence: “The eagle is a common emblem of national pride.”
What part of speech is “emblem”?
“Emblem” is a noun.
Where does the word “emblem” come from?
The word “emblem” comes from Latin. From Old French embleme, from Latin emblema ("inlaid ornamental work"), ultimately from Greek emblema, "something put in" or inserted.
Is “emblem” a common word?
“Emblem” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “emblem” have?
“Emblem” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a symbol or design that represents an idea, organization, or quality, such as a badge or logo.
What is the difference between an emblem and a symbol?
An emblem is typically a specific design, such as a badge or logo, that represents an organization, idea, or quality. A symbol is a broader term for anything that represents an idea, which may or may not take the form of a distinct visual design.
What is the difference between an emblem and a logo?
A logo is usually a commercial or branding design used to identify a company or product, while an emblem can represent any organization, idea, or quality, including national, military, or symbolic ones. All logos can be considered a type of emblem, but not all emblems function as logos.
Can "emblem" be used figuratively rather than for a physical design?
Yes, "emblem" can be used figuratively to describe something regarded as representing a broader idea or quality, such as calling a person "an emblem of courage." This figurative use extends beyond physical badges or logos.
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