token

¹to·ken

noun \ˈtō-kən\

Definition of TOKEN

1

: an outward sign or expression <his tears were tokens of his grief>

2

a : symbol, emblem <a white flag is a token of surrender>

b : an instance of a linguistic expression

3

: a distinguishing feature : characteristic

4

a : souvenir, keepsake

b : a small part representing the whole : indication <this is only a token of what we hope to accomplish>

c : something given or shown as a guarantee (as of authority, right, or identity)

5

a : a piece resembling a coin issued as money by some person or body other than a de jure government

b : a piece resembling a coin issued for use (as for fare on a bus) by a particular group on specified terms

6

: a member of a group (as a minority) that is included within a larger group through tokenism; especially : a token employee

— by the same token

: for the same reason

Examples of TOKEN

1. <please accept this parting gift as a token of our lasting affection>

Origin of TOKEN

Middle English, from Old English tācen, tācn sign, token; akin to Old High German zeihhan sign, Greek deiknynai to show — more at diction

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to TOKEN

Synonyms

commemorative, keepsake, memento, monument, remembrance, reminder, souvenir, memorial

Related Words

memorabilia; relic, vestige; cairn, landmark, marker; testimonial, tribute; cenotaph

See Synonym Discussion at sign

Rhymes with TOKEN

broken, oaken, spoken

²token

adjective

Definition of TOKEN

1

: done or given as a token especially in partial fulfillment of an obligation or engagement <a token payment>

2

a : representing no more than a symbolic effort : minimal, perfunctory <token resistance> <token integration>

b : serving or intended to show absence of discrimination <a token female employee>

Examples of TOKEN

1. All the people who work there are men except for a couple of token women.
2. The ad campaign features a few token minorities.

First Known Use of TOKEN

1915