trophy

1 of 2

noun

tro·​phy ˈtrō-fē 

plural trophies

1

: something gained or given in victory or conquest especially when preserved or mounted as a memorial

2

a

: a memorial of an ancient Greek or Roman victory raised on the field of battle or on the nearest land for a naval victory

b

: a representation of such a memorial (as on a medal)

also : an architectural ornament representing a group of military weapons

3

: a game animal or fish suitable for mounting as a trophy

—usually used attributively

4

: one that is prized for qualities that enhance prestige or social status

—usually used attributively

a trophy wife

a trophy house

trophy transitive verb

-trophy

2 of 2

noun combining form

: nutrition : nurture : growth

dystrophy

Synonyms of trophy

Noun

• jewel
• treasure
• honor

Examples of trophy in a Sentence

Noun

the mogul's latest trophies include a winter mansion in the Bahamas and a new sports car

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The result is the latest sign that museum-quality dinosaur fossils have joined the ranks of blue-chip contemporary art, rare watches, and championship sports memorabilia as trophy assets for the world’s wealthiest collectors. — Daniel Cassady For Artnews, Robb Report, 15 July 2026

In the 1960s, England got the better of its Argentine opponent in consecutive World Cup tournaments, with a 1-0 victory in 1966 helping the English to eventually lift the trophy for the only time in their history. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

At her yearly visit to Wimbledon in 2024, Middleton opted for a vibrant purple dress and pointed-toe pumps to present trophies to the winners. — Zoe Kaplan, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026

Sporting hasn’t won a trophy since 2017 and sits in last place as MLS resumes competition after a five-week break for the World Cup. — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle French trophee, from Medieval Latin tropheum, from Latin tropaeum, trophaeum, from Greek tropaion, from neuter of tropaios of a turning, of a rout, from tropē turn, rout, from trepein to turn

Noun combining form

New Latin -trophia, from Greek, from -trophos nourishing, from trephein

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing trophy

• trophy wife

Rhymes for trophy

• sophy
• trophy
• hypertrophy

Kids Definition

trophy

noun

tro·​phy ˈtrō-fē 

plural trophies

1

: something taken from the enemy in victory or conquest especially when kept and displayed as proof of one's bravery or victory

took the enemy's flags as trophies

2

: something given in recognition of a victory or as an award for achievement

a golf trophy

trophied

-fēd

adjective