First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1award
verb \ə-ˈwȯrd\
: to give (a reward or prize) to someone or something
: to officially decide that someone should get (something)
Full Definition of AWARD
transitive verb
1
: to give by judicial decree or after careful consideration
2
: to confer or bestow as being deserved or merited or needed <award scholarships to disadvantaged students>
— award·able \-ˈwȯr-də-bəl\ adjective
— award·ee \-ˌwȯr-ˈdē\ noun
— award·er \-ˈwȯr-dər\ noun
See award defined for English-language learners
See award defined for kids
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Origin of AWARD
Middle English, to decide, from Anglo-French awarder, agarder to look at, examine, resolve, from a- (from Latin ad-) + warder, garder to look after, guard — more at guard
Related to AWARD
- Synonyms
- reward
Synonym Discussion of AWARD
grant, concede, vouchsafe, accord, award mean to give as a favor or a right. grant implies giving to a claimant or petitioner something that could be withheld <granted them a new hearing>. concede implies yielding something reluctantly in response to a rightful or compelling claim <even her critics concede she can be charming>. vouchsafe implies granting something as a courtesy or an act of gracious condescension <vouchsafed the secret to only a few chosen disciples>. accord implies giving to another what is due or proper <accorded all the honors befitting a head of state>. award implies giving what is deserved or merited usually after a careful weighing of pertinent factors <awarded the company a huge defense contract>.
2award
noun
: something (such as a prize) that is given to someone or something for being excellent or for doing something that is admired
Full Definition of AWARD
1
a : a judgment or final decision; especially : the decision of arbitrators in a case submitted to them b : the document containing the decision of arbitrators
2
: something that is conferred or bestowed especially on the basis of merit or need
See award defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of AWARD
14th century
Related to AWARD
- Synonyms
- accolade, blue ribbon, decoration, distinction, honor, kudo, plume, premium, prize
AWARD Defined for Kids
1award
verb \ə-ˈwȯrd\
award·edaward·ing
Definition of AWARD for Kids
1
: to give as deserved or needed <award a medal> <award a scholarship>
2
: to give by official decision <award a contract>
2award
noun
Definition of AWARD for Kids
: something (as a prize) that is given in recognition of good work or a good act
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