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

After the ceremony, recipients gather outside to take photos with their insignia. —Stephanie Petit, People.com, 24 July 2025

Photo : Ford The all-electric Ford Bronco’s Badlands insignia. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 17 July 2025

Of note, there's a 70-foot tall observation tower and a castle-like structure — a replica of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers official insignia built during the Great Depression — housing some of the zoo's smaller mammals, birds and other reptiles. —Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 10 July 2025

Logos and insignia are highlighted in magenta and blue mica to offset the prism effect of the body’s paint. —New Atlas, 10 July 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