# medal

Pronunciation: US/UK say "MED-uhl" /ˈmɛdəl/; AUS say "MED-l" /ˈmed.l̩/

## Noun

1. A stamped or cast metal disc given as a prize or reward, usually for an achievement.
   - Simple: A flat piece of metal given as a prize for winning or doing something well.
   - _The committee awarded her a medal for thirty years of service._
   - _Olympic medals are designed afresh for each host city._
2. A disc of metal stamped with a design, worn or carried as an ornament, a charm, or a religious token.
   - Simple: A small metal disc worn as jewelry, a lucky charm, or a religious sign.
   - _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._

## Verb

3. To win a medal, typically by placing among the top finishers in a sporting competition. *(colloquial)*
   - Simple: To win a medal in a sport or contest.
   - _He medaled twice at the national gymnastics championships._
   - _Athletes who medal at the Olympics often receive government bonuses._
4. To award a medal to a person, often in recognition of service or achievement.
   - Simple: To give someone a medal as a prize or reward.
   - _The committee medaled all the volunteers who had served during the crisis._
   - _Each year the academy will medal its most distinguished graduates._

## Origin

It came from Middle English via Middle French medaille and Italian medaglia (originally "half a denarius"), from Early Medieval Latin medālia. This traces back through Late Latin mediālis ("middle") to Classical Latin medius.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/medal (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).