medallion

noun

me·​dal·​lion mə-ˈdal-yən 

1

: a large medal

2

: something resembling a large medal

especially : a tablet or panel in a wall or window bearing a figure in relief, a portrait, or an ornament

3

or less commonly medaillon

mā-dä-ˈyōⁿ 

: a small, round or oval serving (as of meat or fish)

Synonyms of medallion

• medal

Examples of medallion in a Sentence

the hockey team received a gold medallion at the Olympics

Recent Examples on the Web

The piece is also topped by a jeweled medallion, adding to the sense of theatricality that often defines the studio’s late 19th-century commissions. —Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 21 Apr. 2026

Unlike many awards bodies, the DGA’s signature medallion recognizes the full directorial team, honoring not only the director but also assistant directors, unit production managers and key crew members. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026

City records show, before Uber and Lyft began operating in Chicago in 2012 and 2013, respectively, medallions often sold for as much as $350,000 or more. —Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026

Small additions make big impacts, like this area rug that creates a vintage feel with its medallion-meets-floral motif and subtly distressed fibers. —Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French médaillon, from Italian medaglione, augmentative of medaglia

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for medallion

• battalion
• italian
• scallion
• stallion

Kids Definition

medallion

noun

me·​dal·​lion mə-ˈdal-yən 

1

: a large medal

2

: something resembling a large medal (as in shape)