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

The chocolate cake bears the hotel’s insignia and pairs perfectly with a glass of Champagne or a pot of loose leaf green tea. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

Most experts agree that the long-standing custom in the U.S. is for law enforcement officers to wear uniforms and recognizable insignia. —Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025

Wearing uniforms and insignia, and publicly identifying themselves, are what make clear an officer’s authority and enable public accountability. —Christy Lopez Guest, Mercury News, 5 July 2025

Mounting a Swiss automatic movement visible through the sapphire crystal caseback showcasing also the soccer team’s insignia, the timepiece, accented with golden details, is set on an alligator strap. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 4 June 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