insignia

noun

in·​sig·​nia in-ˈsig-nē-ə How to pronounce insignia (audio)
variants or less commonly insigne
plural insignia or insignias
1
: a badge of authority or honor
2
: a distinguishing mark or sign

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Insignia are the official signs of rank, titles, or awards. Medals are an example, as are the crowns of monarchs. The Catholic church employs such insignia as the red robes of cardinals. U.S. presidents have the presidential seal, which appears on the stand when they're giving a speech. But most of us think first of the bars, stripes, badges, and patches of military rank.

Examples of insignia in a Sentence

Their jackets have the school's insignia on the front.
Recent Examples on the Web Don’t assume the documents are authentic A scammer might send you a letter from tax or other officials, bearing a logo or insignia that looks authentic. Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 12 May 2024 In the hours after the strike, gruesome videos circulated on social media, showing the vehicles’ insignia. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for insignia 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insignia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin insignia, plural of insigne mark, badge, from neuter of insignis marked, distinguished, from in- + signum mark — more at sign

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of insignia was in 1648

Dictionary Entries Near insignia

Cite this Entry

“Insignia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insignia. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

insignia

noun
in·​sig·​nia in-ˈsig-nē-ə How to pronounce insignia (audio)
plural insignia or insignias
: an emblem of a special authority, office, or honor : badge
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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