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
• order

Examples of medallion in a Sentence

the hockey team received a gold medallion at the Olympics

Recent Examples on the Web

Built in 1889 from Cream City's signature local-clay brick, the eclectic house with Gothic elements retains the original pocket doors, plaster ceiling medallions, brick fireplace, carved staircase, and crown molding; rooms include a double-height living room and a private sauna. —The Week Staff, theweek, 30 July 2024

This particular rug has a pattern of sequential medallions in rich, earthy colors like olive green, brown, and beige, along with some subtle flecks of blue. —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 22 July 2024

Each level comes with an annual medallion status, higher priority for complimentary upgrades, and special bag tags. —Harrison Pierce, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2024

While the terracotta design and the comedy-and-tragedy medallion remain on the Metro’s facade, the inside is an empty, open space. —Brian Welk, IndieWire, 25 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

French médaillon, from Italian medaglione, augmentative of medaglia

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

medallion

noun

me·​dal·​lion mə-ˈdal-yən 

1

: a large medal

2

: something resembling a large medal (as in shape)