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

Combs idolized his father, Melvin, wearing his portrait on a medallion around his neck; Christian treats his father with the same reverence. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026

Encrusted with four dainty rubies, the medallion is engraved with Kelce’s jersey number, 87. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 21 Sep. 2026

Emily Ratajkowski, a favorite model for Burch, took the runway in a slightly sheer navy tank with red detailing and a matching pleated navy midi skirt and brown medallion belt. — Anika Reed, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

Take cues from Celine and Dries Van Noten and look for long pendants featuring a constellation of medallions, letters, shells, horns, the like. — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 4 Sep. 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)