insignia

noun

in·​sig·​nia in-ˈsig-nē-ə 

variants or less commonly insigne

in-ˈsig-(ˌ)nē 

plural insignia or insignias

1

: a badge of authority or honor

2

: a distinguishing mark or sign

Did you know?

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

In the prequel, wildcard Edwards is discharged from the SEALs after an operation, and his coveted trident insignia is removed from his uniform. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 29 May 2025

Fashion as an insignia of belonging is at the forefront of the conversation. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 23 May 2025

Liberty Mutual’s insignia will appear on the court, and the seatbacks and kickplates on the team’s bench. —Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 1 May 2025

One man had an autism awareness tattoo, while another, a professional soccer goalie, had a trophy insignia. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025

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

Kids Definition

insignia

noun

in·​sig·​nia in-ˈsig-nē-ə 

plural insignia or insignias

: an emblem of a special authority, office, or honor : badge