insignia

[ in-sig-nee-uh ]
/ ɪnˈsɪg ni ə /

noun, formally a plural of insigne, but usually used as a singular with plural in·sig·ni·a or in·sig·ni·as.

a badge or distinguishing mark of office or honor: a military insignia.
a distinguishing mark or sign of anything: an insignia of mourning.
Also insigne.

Origin of insignia

1640–50; < Latin, plural of insigne mark, badge, noun use of neuter of insignis distinguished (by a mark); see in-2, sign

usage note for insignia

Insignia, originally the plural of Latin insigne, began to be used as a singular in the 18th century, and the plural insignias appeared shortly thereafter. All uses— insignia as a singular or plural and insignias as a plural—are fully standard. The singular insigne still occurs, but insignia is more common.

Definition for insignia (2 of 2)

insigne
[ in-sig-nee ]
/ ɪnˈsɪg ni /

noun

singular of insignia.

Example sentences from the Web for insignia

British Dictionary definitions for insignia

insignia
/ (ɪnˈsɪɡnɪə) /

noun plural -nias or -nia

a badge or emblem of membership, office, or dignity
a distinguishing sign or mark
Also called (rare): insigne ( ɪnˈsɪɡniː)

Word Origin for insignia

C17: from Latin: marks, badges, from insignis distinguished by a mark, prominent, from in- ² + signum mark