insignia

noun in·sig·nia \ in-ˈsig-nē-ə \

variants: or less commonly insigne play \in-ˈsig-(ˌ)nē\

Definition of insignia

plural insignia or insignias

1 :a badge of authority or honor

2 :a distinguishing mark or sign

See insignia defined for English-language learners

See insignia defined for kids

Examples of insignia in a Sentence

Their jackets have the school's insignia on the front.

Recent Examples of insignia from the Web

The 82nd Airborne Division, whose paratroopers jumped into Europe to defeat the Nazis in World War II, took to Twitter on Monday to disavow a man photographed giving a Nazi salute while wearing a hat with the division's insignia.

— w.j. hennigan, chicagotribune.com, "Joint Chiefs denounce racism in stark terms as Trump's isolation grows," 16 Aug. 2017
The Ironbirds insignia sits on the left sleeve, while the Maryland flag covered the right side.

— chris jeter, The Aegis, "Steamed Crabs for a night, Aberdeen IronBirds unable to hold off West Virginia," 12 Aug. 2017
John Sarnecki, who was the American Legion Dist. 1 commander at the time, was struck by his youth and the insignia stitched on Thomas' uniform.

— javonte anderson, Post-Tribune, "Merrillville soldier wins state American Legion honor," 1 Aug. 2017
Featuring sleek, modern lines and a giant insignia of an atom, the Nuclear Ship Savannah once sailed the world to demonstrate the peaceful potential of atomic energy.

— sean gallagher, Ars Technica, "Aboard the NS Savannah, America’s first (and last) nuclear merchant ship," 26 July 2017
Filling windows along the ground level of the Vinton Building, the sign with the Bedrock real-estate company's insignia was a photograph of mostly all white people.

— robert allen, Detroit Free Press, "Gilbert on controversial downtown sign: 'We screwed up badly'," 24 July 2017
For example, Captain Philippa Georgiou's (Michelle Yeoh) badge not only has the command insignia emblazoned on it but four dots along the bottom, noting her rank.

— chris e. hayner, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Star Trek: Discovery' Comic-Con Exhibition Offers Best Look at the Series Yet," 21 July 2017
Reflecting an ongoing evolution within the Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton on Thursday will stand up a new command modeled after its insignia — a cross shield and a hammer, protecting the force while relentlessly bludgeoning its foes.

— carl prine, sandiegouniontribune.com, "New Camp Pendleton command spotlights changing Marine Corps," 1 July 2017
Each is meticulously maintained and outfitted with some mix of snorkel exhaust, skid plates, oversized mud tires, auxiliary lights, power winches, and a smattering of brand decals and competitive insignia.

— clay dillow, Popular Mechanics, "Four Brothers and Four-Wheel Drive," 28 June 2017

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

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.

Origin and Etymology of insignia

Latin insignia, plural of insigne mark, badge, from neuter of insignis marked, distinguished, from in- + signum mark — more at sign

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1648

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Other Heraldry Terms

blazon, cachet, couchant, dormant, escutcheon, potent, standard, totem

INSIGNIA Defined for English Language Learners

insignia

noun

Definition of insignia for English Language Learners

: a badge or sign which shows that a person is a member of a particular group or has a particular rank

INSIGNIA Defined for Kids

insignia

noun in·sig·nia \ in-ˈsig-nē-ə \

Definition of insignia for Students

plural insignia or insignias

:an emblem of a certain office, authority, or honor

Learn More about insignia

Spanish Central: Translation of insignia Nglish: Translation of insignia for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of insignia for Arabic speakers

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insignia

Definition of insignia

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Did You Know?

Origin and Etymology of insignia

Other Heraldry Terms

INSIGNIA Defined for English Language Learners

insignia

Definition of insignia for English Language Learners

INSIGNIA Defined for Kids

insignia

Definition of insignia for Students

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INSIGNIA Defined for English Language Learners

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Definition of insignia for English Language Learners

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