medal
medal Lexical Profile
medal Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A flat piece of metal stamped with a design or inscription, typically given as an award for bravery, excellence, or winning a competition.
"The athlete proudly displayed her gold medal after winning the championship race."
A small flat piece of metal bearing a religious image or symbol, worn as an emblem of devotion.
"She wore a silver Saint Christopher medal on a chain around her neck for safe travels."
• verb
To win or earn a medal in a sporting event or competition.
"Despite recovering from a recent injury, he medaled in all three of his gymnastics events."
Word Nuance & Usage
The word 'medal' (an award) is a homophone with the verb 'meddle' (to interfere), which sometimes causes spelling confusion.
• Rhymes for medal
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle French 'médaille', from Italian 'medaglia', derived from Vulgar Latin 'metallea' meaning 'metal coin', ultimately from Latin 'metallum' (metal).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.