medal

medal — noun

1. A small coin-shaped metal object given to people who finish first in a contest,

1.nounB1
Definition

A small coin-shaped metal object given to people who finish first in a contest, perform a brave act, or commemorate an important occasion.

Example

Yuki won a gold medal in the swimming competition last summer.

collocation: gold medal / win a medal

The brave firefighter received a medal for his courage during the factory fire.

medal for [achievement/bravery]

Common collocations
  • gold medal
  • silver medal
  • bronze medal
  • win a medal
  • earn a medal
  • award a medal
  • Olympic medal
Synonyms
  • award

    broader; can be a medal, a trophy, or money

  • prize

    given to the winner of a competition, often money or an object

  • decoration

    formal; usually for military or public service bravery

Grammar Patterns

medal for [achievement/bravery]

gold/silver/bronze medal

Common Mistakes

I got a medal from my teacher for doing my homework.
I got a sticker from my teacher for doing my homework.
Medals are for competitions, bravery, or special occasions, not everyday classroom rewards.

2. A small metal object with a religious picture or sign on it, worn on a chain or

2.nounB2
Definition

A small metal object with a religious picture or sign on it, worn on a chain or kept as a sign of faith or for protection.

Example

Tariro wears a small medal of Saint Christopher around his neck when he travels.

medal of [saint] / wear a medal

Élise keeps a blessed medal in her wallet for good luck on long journeys.

Common collocations
  • religious medal
  • devotional medal
  • wear a medal
  • blessed medal
  • Saint [name] medal
  • medal of [saint]
Synonyms
  • medallion

    larger and usually not religious; worn as jewellery

  • charm

    small object worn on a bracelet or necklace, not necessarily religious

  • talisman

    object believed to bring good luck or protection, not specific to religion

Grammar Patterns

wear a medal

medal of [saint]

Usage Note

Often called a 'devotional medal' within Catholic and Orthodox Christian traditions. These medals are usually blessed by a priest before being worn.

Idioms

somebody deserves a medal

idiom

Used humorously to say that someone has done something very difficult or helpful and should be praised for it.

Sophia managed to fix the old computer — she deserves a medal for that.

My aunt organised the whole wedding by herself. She deserves a medal.

medal — verb

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words describe something given to recognise achievement, but they differ in form and context. A 'medal' is always a flat metal disc, usually hung from a ribbon, and is most common in sports and military contexts. An 'award' is the broadest term — it can be a medal, a trophy, money, or even a certificate (e.g. 'Employee of the Month award'). A 'prize' is typically given to the winner of a competition and is often money or an object of value. A 'trophy' is usually a large cup or ornamental object, not flat like a medal, and is kept on display rather than worn. For example, an Olympic swimmer wins a 'medal'; a spelling bee winner receives a 'trophy'; a novelist may win a cash 'award'; and the 'prize' for first place could be a car.

medal ↗award ↗prize ↗trophy ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • win a medal
  • earn a medal
  • receive a medal
  • award a medal
  • take the medal

Prepositions

  • medal for [achievement/bravery]
  • medal in [sport/event]
  • medal at [competition]

Etymology

FrenchItalianLatin

The word 'medal' came into English from French médaille in the 1500s. The French word came from Italian medaglia, which originally meant 'small coin'. The Italian word traces back to Latin metallum, meaning 'metal'. So literally, a medal is a small metal object shaped like a coin — which is still true of most medals today.