emblem

noun

em·blem | \ ˈem-bləm

Definition of emblem

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a picture with a motto or set of verses intended as a moral lesson

2 : an object or the figure of an object symbolizing and suggesting another object or an idea

3a : a symbolic object used as a heraldic device

b : a device, symbol, or figure adopted and used as an identifying mark

emblem

verb

emblemed; embleming; emblems

Definition of emblem (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: emblematize

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Emblem Has Greek Roots Example Sentences Learn More about emblem

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Choose the Right Synonym for emblem

Noun

emblem, symbol, and token mean a visible thing that stands for something that cannot be pictured. emblem is usually used of an object or a picture that stands for a group such as a family, an organization, or a nation. The eagle is one of our national emblems. symbol may be used of anything that is understood as a sign for something else. The lion is the symbol of courage. token is used of an object or act that shows the existence of something else. This gift is a token of our love.

Emblem Has Greek Roots

Noun

Both "emblem" and its synonym "symbol" trace back to the Greek verb ballein, meaning "to throw." "Emblem" arose from emballein, meaning "to insert," while "symbol" comes from "symballein," Greek for to throw together. "Ballein" is also an ancestor of the words "parable" (from "paraballein," "to compare"), "metabolism" (from "metaballein," "to change"), and "problem" (from "proballein," "to throw forward"). Another (somewhat surprising) "ballein" descendant is "devil," which comes from Greek diabolos, literally meaning "slanderer." "Diabolos" in turn comes from diaballein, meaning "to throw across" or "to slander."

Examples of emblem in a Sentence

Noun

The flag is the emblem of our nation. He has come to be regarded as an emblem of conservatism.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

However, thanks to paparazzi photos of Kim Kardashian and other celebrities stopping by its stores, as well as the reputation of its Freds restaurant as a hub for New York’s elite, Barneys looms large as a defining emblem of American luxury. — Sarah Halzackbloomberg, Los Angeles Times, "Commentary: Barneys bankruptcy proves luxury retailers aren’t immune to industry turmoil," 6 Aug. 2019 In 2016, they were declared the first ever National Mammal of the United States, joining the Bald Eagle as an official emblem of American identity. — Melissa Hendrickson, Smithsonian, "What Do Bovids, Bridges and the West Have to Do With American Art?," 5 Aug. 2019 Detroit — onetime cradle of Motown music, the automobile and a thriving black middle class — seemed to solidify its reputation as an emblem of urban blight in 2013, when the city declared bankruptcy. — Washington Post, "Trump says cities are ‘a mess.’ They’re actually enjoying a golden age.," 4 Aug. 2019 To be only a little fanciful, these two friends might serve as emblems of the active and the contemplative intellectual life. — Michael Dirda, National Review, "The Exhilarating Letters of Guy Davenport and Hugh Kenner," 25 July 2019 The Confederate flag has often been pointed to as a racist emblem of slavery and segregation. — Nicholas Rondinone, courant.com, "DOC employee files lawsuit saying she was punished for reporting correction officer’s Confederate flag," 11 July 2019 The bald eagle was officially adopted as the emblem of the United States five years later. — Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Our national symbol is a soaring conservation success story," 3 July 2019 Should the bill one day materialize, the composition of Tubman and Jackson, two faces of the same vexed coin, would serve as an apt emblem of Americans’ habit of historical equivocation. — Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, "The Haunted Image of Harriet Tubman on the Twenty-Dollar Bill," 18 June 2019 The negotiations hit a rough patch Sunday amid a dispute over curbing ICE, the federal agency that Republicans see as an emblem of tough immigration policies and Democrats accuse of often going too far. — Andrew Taylor, The Seattle Times, "Congressional lawmakers reach deal on border wall funding," 11 Feb. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'emblem.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for emblem

emblem

noun

English Language Learners Definition of emblem

: an object or picture used to suggest a thing that cannot be shown

: a person or thing that represents an idea

See the full definition for emblem in the English Language Learners Dictionary

emblem

noun

em·blem | \ ˈem-bləm

Kids Definition of emblem

: an object or an image used to suggest a thing that cannot be pictured The flag is the emblem of our nation.

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emblem

Definition of emblem

Synonyms for emblem

Choose the Right Synonym for emblem

Emblem Has Greek Roots

Examples of emblem in a Sentence

First Known Use of emblem

History and Etymology for emblem

English Language Learners Definition of emblem

Kids Definition of emblem

emblem

Definition of emblem

Synonyms for emblem

Choose the Right Synonym for emblem

Emblem Has Greek Roots

Examples of emblem in a Sentence

First Known Use of emblem

History and Etymology for emblem

English Language Learners Definition of emblem

Kids Definition of emblem

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