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

Russia could also deploy a limited number of troops, possibly without national insignia, into NATO countries on its border, the DDIS said. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026

However, there is an interlocking NY insignia on his plaque in the hallowed halls of Cooperstown. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026

Cater said the crown logo and name trace their histories to a lawn ball with a crown insignia that was important to the founders and ultimately made its way into the branding. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

So, bareheaded, Comella poked around in these tiny holes, using his flashlight to examine the various documents floating around for FDNY insignia. — Peter Wilkinson, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

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