medal

Pluralmedals

Formsmedals

1. 1
   nouncountable

   A stamped or cast metal disc given as a prize or reward, usually for an achievement.

   The committee awarded her a medal for thirty years of service.

   Olympic medals are designed afresh for each host city.

   Similaraward, decoration, honor, prize, medallion

2. 2
   nouncountable

   A disc of metal stamped with a design, worn or carried as an ornament, a charm, or a religious token.

   Pilgrims often bring home a medal stamped with the image of a saint.

   Her grandmother gave her a worn devotional medal that had been in the family for generations.

   Similarmedallion, pendant, charm

   Note

   The word began as money. Italian medaglia first meant half a denarius, and behind it lies Latin medius, "middle": the half-coin. Through French it reached English as a stamped disc kept rather than spent. Older writing sets medals beside relics, holy water and amulets as objects of devotion and protection. A medal of this kind is worn for what it means, unlike the prize medal, which records what someone did.

3. 3
   verbcolloquialintransitive

   To win a medal, typically by placing among the top finishers in a sporting competition.

   He medaled twice at the national gymnastics championships.

   Athletes who medal at the Olympics often receive government bonuses.

   Similarplace, podium

   Note

   A noun turned verb in the language of sport, and it still sounds colloquial. It takes no object: an athlete medals, or medals twice at the Olympics. The spelling splits by side of the Atlantic, with American medaled and medaling against British medalled and medalling. Harry Pearson's 2011 Guardian column grouped it with podiumed and finalled as nouns being verbed. It also stretches jokingly beyond sport, as in medaling at power shopping.

4. 4
   verbtransitive

   To award a medal to a person, often in recognition of service or achievement.

   The committee medaled all the volunteers who had served during the crisis.

   Each year the academy will medal its most distinguished graduates.

   Similardecorate, honor

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