First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1emblem
noun em·blem \ˈem-bləm\
: an object or picture used to suggest a thing that cannot be shown
: a person or thing that represents an idea
Full Definition of EMBLEM
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
3
a : a symbolic object used as a heraldic device b : a device, symbol, or figure adopted and used as an identifying mark
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Origin of EMBLEM
Middle English, from Latin emblema inlaid work, from Greek emblēmat-, emblēma, from emballein to insert, from en- + ballein to throw — more at devil
2emblem
verb
Definition of EMBLEM
transitive verb
First Known Use of EMBLEM
1584
EMBLEM Defined for Kids
emblem
noun em·blem \ˈem-bləm\
Definition of EMBLEM for Kids
: an object or an image used to suggest a thing that cannot be pictured <The flag is the emblem of our nation.>
Synonym Discussion of EMBLEM
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.>
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