1
a
: an ornamental brooch
especially
: the badge of an honorary order
b
: a flat thin piece (as of metal) used for decoration
c
: a commemorative or identifying inscribed tablet
2
a
: a localized abnormal patch on a body part or surface
b
: a sticky usually colorless film on teeth that is formed by and harbors bacteria
c
: an atherosclerotic lesion
d
: a histopathologic lesion of brain tissue that is characteristic of Alzheimer's disease and consists of a dense proteinaceous core composed primarily of beta-amyloid that is often surrounded and infiltrated by a cluster of degenerating axons and dendrites
3
: a clear area in a bacterial culture produced by viral destruction of cells
Examples of plaque in a Sentence
A bronze plaque marked the city's oldest building.
They gave him a plaque in honor of his 30 years of service.
Brushing your teeth prevents the buildup of plaque.
The scientists are studying the way the plaques form.
Recent Examples on the Web
The first plaque disappeared in late September from the Alpine library branch, Sgt.
—
Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2025
Dan Rusanowsky, the Sharks’ longtime radio play-by-play voice, also has a plaque in the Hall of Fame, as he was given the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 2023.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2025
His award came with a glass plaque detailing the honor and a $1,000 cash prize.
—Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2025
The building also served as an American Legion Post, as noted by the historical plaque mounted on the property's front yard.
—Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plaque
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Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2025
Dan Rusanowsky, the Sharks’ longtime radio play-by-play voice, also has a plaque in the Hall of Fame, as he was given the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 2023.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2025
His award came with a glass plaque detailing the honor and a $1,000 cash prize.
—Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2025
The building also served as an American Legion Post, as noted by the historical plaque mounted on the property's front yard.
—Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plaque
Cite this Entry
“Plaque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plaque. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
plaque
noun1
: an ornamental pin
especially
: an honorary badge
2
: a flat thin piece (as of metal) used for decoration or inscribed as a memorial or marker
3
: a sticky usually colorless film on teeth that is formed by and contains bacteria
Medical Definition
plaque
noun
variants
also placque
1
a
: a localized abnormal patch on a body part or surface and especially on the skin
psoriatic plaque
b
: a sticky usually colorless film on teeth that is formed by and harbors bacteria
c
: an atherosclerotic lesion
d
: a histopathologic lesion of brain tissue that is characteristic of Alzheimer's disease and consists of a dense proteinaceous core composed primarily of beta-amyloid that is often surrounded and infiltrated by a cluster of degenerating axons and dendrites
called also senile plaque
2
: a visibly distinct and especially a clear or opaque area in a bacterial culture produced by damage to or destruction of cells by a virus
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