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 award was presented to her in the Vatican in the presence of Leo XIV, during a meeting during which Billboard Italy presented the Pope with a symbolic Women in Music plaque in support of the value of women’s voice as a universal language of dialogue and solidarity.
—
Billboard Italy, Billboard, 20 Nov. 2025
What To Know Among the plaques the says were removed is one from Mount Pleasant Airport, opened by Andrew in 1985 after being built at a cost of £300 million.
—Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025
In another blow, plaques featuring Andrew's name at public buildings in the Falkland Islands have been removed, according to The Daily Mirror.
—Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 17 Nov. 2025
Just outside, stroll along the Surfing Walk of Fame on Main Street, where plaques celebrate icons who’ve made their mark here.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 15 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plaque
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Billboard Italy, Billboard, 20 Nov. 2025
What To Know Among the plaques the says were removed is one from Mount Pleasant Airport, opened by Andrew in 1985 after being built at a cost of £300 million.
—Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025
In another blow, plaques featuring Andrew's name at public buildings in the Falkland Islands have been removed, according to The Daily Mirror.
—Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 17 Nov. 2025
Just outside, stroll along the Surfing Walk of Fame on Main Street, where plaques celebrate icons who’ve made their mark here.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 15 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 28 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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