emblazon

verb em·bla·zon \ im-ˈblā-zᵊn \

Updated on: 15 Apr 2018

Definition of emblazon

emblazoned; emblazoning play \im-ˈblāz-niŋ, -ˈblā-zᵊn-iŋ\

transitive verb

1 a : to inscribe or adorn with or as if with heraldic bearings or devices

b : to inscribe (something, such as heraldic bearings) on a surface

2 : celebrate, extol

have his … deeds emblazoned by a poet
—Thomas Nash

—

emblazoner

play \im-ˈblāz-nər, -zᵊn-ər\ noun

—

emblazonment

play \im-ˈblā-zᵊn-mənt\ noun

See emblazon defined for English-language learners

See emblazon defined for kids

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Examples of emblazon in a Sentence

colossal statues and other monumental constructions that were intended to emblazon his name for eons to come

Recent Examples of emblazon from the Web

Past the concierge desk, above black leather chairs, the Second Amendment is emblazoned on the wall in giant silver script.

— jenna portnoy, Washington Post, "After Parkland, a tale of two Virginia politicians: Tim Kaine and Corey Stewart," 1 Mar. 2018
At home, Dicenso proudly displays a bedspread that Nirva gave her, emblazoned with the word LOVE.

— chicagotribune.com, "As Trump targets immigrants, elderly and others brace to lose caregivers," 25 Mar. 2018
The clubs in an orange bag emblazoned with Kim’s name and her sponsors, made it through the transfer in Miami, but didn’t show up on the baggage carousel at Lindbergh Field.

— tod leonard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Missing clubs mystery solved, I.K. Kim opens Kia Classic with 67," 23 Mar. 2018
His image and theories were emblazoned on T-shirts and posters.

— jeffrey fleishman, latimes.com, "Pop icon Stephen Hawking took on movies, music, 'The Simpsons' and the complexities of the universe," 14 Mar. 2018
As Barrow supporters pushed for Jammeh to step down, their excitement was emblazoned on T-shirts and walls: #GambiaHasDecided.

— anna pujol-mazzini, The Christian Science Monitor, "After fall of a dictator, young Gambians push into politics," 12 Mar. 2018
The new flag’s image is emblazoned on bottles of a new IPA released by the Milwaukee Brewing Co. Marketing director Hannah Falk talked her team into adopting the flag logo after seeing its burgeoning popularity.

— jim carlton, WSJ, "Surprise! Your City Has a Flag and It’s Terrible," 4 Mar. 2018
The collection also reinvented the Emporio Armani logo as a simple EA heat-stamped on suede purses, as dangling crystal amulets on jackets and subtly emblazoned on dresses.

— Washington Post, "End of the road for TommyXGigi, Dolce&Gabbana fly drones," 25 Feb. 2018
The collection also reinvented the Emporio Armani logo as a simple EA heat-stamped on suede purses, as dangling crystal amulets on jackets and subtly emblazoned on dresses.

— colleen barry, The Seattle Times, "Dolce & Gabbana send drones down runway," 25 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'emblazon.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The History of emblazon

English speakers have been using the heraldic sense of "emblazon" since the late 16th century, and before that there was the verb "blazon" ("to describe heraldically") and the noun "blazon" ("a heraldic coat of arms"), which descend from Anglo-French blason. "Emblazon" still refers to adorning something with an emblem of heraldry, but it is now more often used for adorning or publicizing something in any conspicuous way, whether with eye-catching decoration or colorful words of praise.

First Known Use of emblazon

1589

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

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emblazon Synonyms

EMBLAZON Defined for English Language Learners

emblazon

verb

Definition of emblazon for English Language Learners

: to write or draw (a name, picture, etc.) on a surface so that it can be seen very clearly
: to decorate (a surface) with something (such as a name or a picture)