token

1 of 2

noun

to·​ken ˈtō-kən How to pronounce token (audio)
1
a
: a piece resembling a coin issued for use (as for fare on a bus) by a particular group on specified terms
b
: a piece resembling a coin issued as money by some person or body other than a de jure government
c
: a unit of a cryptocurrency
Bitcoin tokens
2
: an outward sign or expression
his tears were tokens of his grief
3
a
: symbol, emblem
a white flag is a token of surrender
b
: an instance of a linguistic expression
4
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 member of a group (such as a minority) that is included within a larger group through tokenism
especially : a token employee
6
: a distinguishing feature : characteristic

token

2 of 2

adjective

1
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
2
: done or given as a token especially in partial fulfillment of an obligation or engagement
a token payment
Phrases
by the same token
: for the same reason
Choose the Right Synonym for token

sign, mark, token, note, symptom mean a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible.

sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason.

encouraging signs for the economy

mark suggests something impressed on or inherently characteristic of a thing often in contrast to general outward appearance.

a mark of a good upbringing

token applies to something that serves as a proof of something intangible.

this gift is a token of our esteem

note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic.

a note of irony in her writing

symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition.

rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

Examples of token in a Sentence

Noun please accept this parting gift as a token of our lasting affection Adjective All the people who work there are men except for a couple of token women. The ad campaign features a few token minorities.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
This token allowed the attackers to access the Archive’s source code and steal sensitive data, affecting 31 million users. Lars Daniel, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 The trading price of Bitcoin and other tokens tanked hard in the spring of 2022 but markets have rebounded significantly. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 19 Oct. 2024
Adjective
As a treat, consider exchanging costumes for a token gift such as a fidget, stamps, or a small Play-Doh. Sarah Scott, Parents, 17 Oct. 2024 The owner requests a token generator to create a token that represents their validated right. Alexandra Andhov, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for token 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'token.' 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

Noun

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

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

1915, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of token was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near token

Cite this Entry

“Token.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/token. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

token

noun
to·​ken
ˈtō-kən
1
: an outward sign
2
: something (as an act, gesture, or object) that serves as a sign or symbol
a white flag is a token of surrender
3
a
b
: indication sense 2
this is only a token of what we hope to accomplish
4
: a piece resembling a coin that has a special use
a bus token

More from Merriam-Webster on token

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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