emblem

[ em-bluhm ]
/ ˈɛm bləm /

noun

an object or its representation, symbolizing a quality, state, class of persons, etc.; symbol: The olive branch is an emblem of peace.
a sign, design, or figure that identifies or represents something: the emblem of a school.
an allegorical picture, often inscribed with a motto supplemental to the visual image with which it forms a single unit of meaning.
Obsolete. an inlaid or tessellated ornament.

verb (used with object)

to represent with an emblem.

Origin of emblem

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin emblēma inlaid or mosaic work < Greek émblēma something put on, equivalent to em- em-2 + blêma something thrown or put; compare embállein to throw in or on

Example sentences from the Web for emblem

British Dictionary definitions for emblem

emblem
/ (ˈɛmbləm) /

noun

a visible object or representation that symbolizes a quality, type, group, etc, esp the concrete symbol of an abstract idea the dove is an emblem of peace
an allegorical picture containing a moral lesson, often with an explanatory motto or verses, esp one printed in an emblem book

Derived forms of emblem

emblematic or emblematical, adjective emblematically, adverb

Word Origin for emblem

C15: from Latin emblēma raised decoration, mosaic, from Greek, literally: something inserted, from emballein to insert, from ballein to throw