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

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

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

a : a symbolic object used as a heraldic device

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

See emblem defined for English-language learners

See emblem defined for kids

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

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to EMBLEM

Synonyms: ensign, hallmark, impresa, logo, symbol, totem, trademark

Other Heraldry Terms

blazon, cachet, couchant, dormant, escutcheon, potent, standard, totem

²emblem

verb

Definition of EMBLEM

transitive verb

: emblematize

First Known Use of EMBLEM

1584

Other Heraldry Terms

blazon, cachet, couchant, dormant, escutcheon, potent, standard, totem

EMBLEM[1] 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.>