trophy
TROH-fee
Trophy (noun) means an object, such as a cup or statuette, awarded for winning a competition. Example: “The school's football team won the trophy for the first time in years.”
noun
1
An object, such as a cup or statuette, awarded for winning a competition.
"The school's football team won the trophy for the first time in years."
"A shiny silver trophy sat on the shelf in the club's entrance."
"The captain lifted the trophy above her head as the crowd cheered."
"He won the trophy in a running competition."
2
Something kept as proof or a symbol of an achievement or victory.
"The hunter's mounted antlers hung on the wall as a trophy of his trip."
"She treats her first sold painting as a trophy and keeps it framed."
"He kept the flag as a trophy from the summit climb."
How to use trophy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA prize won for success, or a keepsake symbolizing an achievement.
Common pairings
win a trophy
trophy case
lift the trophy
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like trophy.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- trophies
- Third person singular
- trophies
- Past tense
- trophied
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The school's football team won the _____ for the first time in years.
Etymology
From Latin trophaeum, "monument of victory," from Ancient Greek tropaion, referring to a display marking the rout of an enemy.
Related words
Rhymes for trophy
See all rhymes for trophy →Frequently asked questions
What does “trophy” mean?
The word “trophy” means an object, such as a cup or statuette, awarded for winning a competition. In plain terms, a prize won for success, or a keepsake symbolizing an achievement.
How do you pronounce “trophy”?
“Trophy” is pronounced TROH-fee (/ˈtɹoʊfi/ in IPA).
How do you use “trophy” in a sentence?
Here is “trophy” used in a sentence: “The captain lifted the trophy above her head as the crowd cheered.”
What part of speech is “trophy”?
“Trophy” is a noun.
Where does the word “trophy” come from?
The word “trophy” comes from Ancient Greek. From Latin trophaeum, "monument of victory," from Ancient Greek tropaion, referring to a display marking the rout of an enemy.
Is “trophy” a common word?
“Trophy” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “trophy” have?
“Trophy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an object, such as a cup or statuette, awarded for winning a competition.
What is the difference between a "trophy" and a "medal"?
A "trophy" is usually a larger standalone object such as a cup or statuette awarded for winning, while a "medal" is a small flat disc, often worn on a ribbon, given for an achievement or placing. Winners of an event may receive both.
What is the difference between a "trophy" and an "award"?
"Award" is the general term for any prize or honour given for merit, while a "trophy" is one specific physical form of award, typically a cup or figure. Every trophy is an award, but not every award is a trophy.
What is the plural of "trophy"?
The plural of "trophy" is "trophies," formed by changing the "y" to "ies," as with other nouns ending in a consonant plus "y."
What are common collocations with "trophy"?
Common phrases include "trophy cabinet," "raise the trophy," and "trophy hunting," as well as the figurative "trophy wife" for something displayed as a status symbol. These reflect both the award sense and the symbol-of-achievement sense.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include trophy:
