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

• medal

Examples of medallion in a Sentence

the hockey team received a gold medallion at the Olympics

Recent Examples on the Web

City Hall was quick to embrace shiny new ride-shares, leaving cab drivers, many of whom were recent immigrants, holding thousands of dollars in debt for medallions that lost the bulk of their value. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025

Signature pieces include cord necklaces with one-of-kind medallions, chunky beaded chokers, and new this summer, stone collars and fish and knot-shaped pendants—any of which makes for the perfect complement to your current looks. —Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 24 June 2025

The mosaic has 55 medallions, with each telling its own story. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025

This gorgeous option has distressed floral medallions that look lived-in for vintage charm, all without a steep price point. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025

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)