emblem

UK: /ˈɛmbləm/ US: /ˈɛmbləm/ ,(em′bləm)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

em•blem /ˈɛmbləm/   n. [countable]

1. an object that symbolizes a quality, state, etc.;
   a symbol:
   The olive branch is an emblem of peace.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

em•blem  (em′bləm), n. 

1. an object or its representation, symbolizing a quality, state, class of persons, etc.;
   symbol:
   The olive branch is an emblem of peace.
2. a sign, design, or figure that identifies or represents something:
   the emblem of a school.
3. an allegorical picture, often inscribed with a motto supplemental to the visual image with which it forms a single unit of meaning.
4. [Obs.] an inlaid or tessellated ornament.

v.t. 

5. to represent with an emblem.

• Greek émblēma something put on, equivalent. to em- em-² + blêma something thrown or put; compare embállein to throw in or on
• Latin emblēma inlaid or mosaic work
• late Middle English 1400–50

Synonyms

• 1. token, sign, figure, image, device, badge.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

emblem / ˈɛmbləm/ noun

1. a visible object or representation that symbolizes a quality, type, group, etc, esp the concrete symbol of an abstract idea

Etymology: 15th Century: from Latin emblēma raised decoration, mosaic, from Greek, literally: something inserted, from emballein to insert, from ballein to throw

ˌemblemˈatic, ˌemblemˈatical adjective

ˌemblemˈatically adverb