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 volume opens with a photo of TCU’s Land Acknowledgment monument, a rugged, granite boulder with a circular bronze plaque.
—
Hollace Ava Weiner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025
Its two pressure settings are powerful enough to clear away plaque without overdoing it, all in a compact design that tucks neatly under the sink or into your carry-on.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 2 Oct. 2025
There are also plaques with birth and death dates, which were once on graves and were later relocated here.
—Mariana Enriquez
october 2, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025
One of his largest commissions was a 10-foot-by-6-foot plaque for Rick Ross’ house, which featured all the rapper’s album covers.
—Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plaque
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show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Hollace Ava Weiner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025
Its two pressure settings are powerful enough to clear away plaque without overdoing it, all in a compact design that tucks neatly under the sink or into your carry-on.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 2 Oct. 2025
There are also plaques with birth and death dates, which were once on graves and were later relocated here.
—Mariana Enriquez
october 2, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025
One of his largest commissions was a 10-foot-by-6-foot plaque for Rick Ross’ house, which featured all the rapper’s album covers.
—Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 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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