Join Us On

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

Thesaurus

Medical

Scrabble^®

Spanish Central

Browse Dictionary Browse Thesaurus

Get our free apps!iPhone•iPad•Android

Dictionary

¹token

noun to·ken \ˈtō-kən\

: a round piece of metal or plastic that is used instead of money in some machines : an object that looks like a coin and is used in place of a coin

: something that is a symbol of a feeling, event, etc.

Full Definition of TOKEN

: an outward sign or expression <his tears were tokens of his grief>

a : symbol, emblem <a white flag is a token of surrender>

b : an instance of a linguistic expression

: a distinguishing feature : characteristic

a : souvenir, keepsake

b : a small part representing the whole : indication <this is only a token of what we hope to accomplish>

c : something given or shown as a guarantee (as of authority, right, or identity)

a : a piece resembling a coin issued as money by some person or body other than a de jure government

b : a piece resembling a coin issued for use (as for fare on a bus) by a particular group on specified terms

: a member of a group (as a minority) that is included within a larger group through tokenism; especially : a token employee

— by the same token

: for the same reason

See token defined for English-language learners

See token defined for kids

Origin of TOKEN

Middle English, from Old English tācen, tācn sign, token; akin to Old High German zeihhan sign, Greek deiknynai to show — more at diction

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to TOKEN

Synonyms: commemorative, keepsake, memento, monument, remembrance, reminder, souvenir, memorial

Synonym Discussion of TOKEN

sign, mark, token, note, symptom mean a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible. sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason <encouraging signs for the economy>. mark suggests something impressed on or inherently characteristic of a thing often in contrast to general outward appearance <a mark of a good upbringing>. token applies to something that serves as a proof of something intangible <this gift is a token of our esteem>. note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic <a note of irony in her writing>. symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition <rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay>.

Rhymes with TOKEN

broken, oaken, spoken

²token

adjective

—used to describe something that is done with very little effort and only to give the appearance that an effort is being made

: included in a group only to prevent criticism that people of a particular kind are being unfairly left out

Full Definition of TOKEN

: done or given as a token especially in partial fulfillment of an obligation or engagement <a token payment>

a : representing no more than a symbolic effort : minimal, perfunctory <token resistance> <token integration>

b : serving or intended to show absence of discrimination <a token female employee>

See token defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of TOKEN

1915

TOKEN Defined for Kids

token

noun to·ken \ˈtō-kən\

Definition of TOKEN for Kids

: an outer sign : proof <“… you ought to take this for a plain and visible token that you are not to be a seafaring man.” — Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe>

: a piece like a coin that has a special use <a bus token>

: an object used to suggest something that cannot be pictured <This ring is a token of my affection.>

: souvenir

: indication 2