Definition of token
1a : a piece resembling a coin issued for use (as for fare on a bus) by a particular group on specified termsb : a piece resembling a coin issued as money by some person or body other than a de jure government
2 : an outward sign or expression his tears were tokens of his grief
3a : symbol, emblem a white flag is a token of surrenderb : an instance of a linguistic expression
4a : souvenir, keepsakeb : a small part representing the whole : indication this is only a token of what we hope to accomplishc : something given or shown as a guarantee (as of authority, right, or identity)
5 : a member of a group (such as a minority) that is included within a larger group through tokenism; especially : a token employee
6 : a distinguishing feature : characteristic
by the same token
: for the same reason
People Are Reading
Examples of token in a Sentence
please accept this parting gift as a token of our lasting affection
Recent Examples of token from the Web
-
By the same token, Jackson’s performance was solid.
-
The birds also learned to trade that tool for a token—a plastic bottle cap—that would get them an even better reward.
-
By the same token, other GOPers suggest a willingness to drive up the deficit to score lower tax rates.
-
The items include 144 cylinder seals, used to roll decorative images onto clay, as well as clay bullae, which were used to create wax tokens to authenticate documents.
-
The hotel is also asking for NOPSI memorabilia -- from old manhole covers to streetcar tokens -- to help deck out a museum-style collection to be housed at the hotel.
-
Players are awarded points for picking the most popular answer and can double them by throwing in one of a limited number of bet tokens.
-
VIP tickets are $85 in advance and include eight tokens, private tented area, bar and restrooms.
-
By the same token, out-of-favor fads can suddenly, and without warning, make it into the limelight, surprising even the most assiduous trend-watchers.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'token.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of token
Middle English, from Old English tācen, tācn sign, token; akin to Old High German zeihhan sign, Greek deiknynai to show — more at diction
Synonym Discussion of token
token
Definition of token
1a : representing no more than a symbolic effort : minimal, perfunctory token resistance token integrationb : serving or intended to show absence of discrimination a token female employee
2 : done or given as a token especially in partial fulfillment of an obligation or engagement a token payment
Examples of token in a Sentence
All the people who work there are men except for a couple of token women.
The ad campaign features a few token minorities.
Recent Examples of token from the Web
-
Opponents who would go under Rubio’s ball screens will have to pay more respect (even if a token respect) to Teague’s jumper.
-
Tours cost $10 and include a take-home pint glass, beer samples and a token for beer at a later time.
-
NBA FINALS: Cavs Star LeBron James On His LA Home Being Vandalized With Racist Graffiti BACKING UP HIS WORDS James has done more than make only token gestures to his community.
-
There's been a token female hero/anti-hero in every Marvel and DC movie that's been pumped into theaters over the recent years.
-
Women for much of cinematic history have been relegated to verbal sparring, glorified cat fights, token sidekick skirmishes, or lone wolf villainy.
-
That year, the Democrats fielded a token candidate who spent less than $45,000 on his race, and raised even less.
-
There’s another digital token in town that’s winning over the hearts and wallets of cryptocurrency enthusiasts across the globe.
-
Token holders can trade these assets online at any time, unlike traditional venture capital investments, which are often locked up until a company is acquired or holds an initial public offering.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'token.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of token
1915
TOKEN Defined for English Language Learners
token
playDefinition of token for English Language Learners
-
: a round piece of metal or plastic that is used instead of money in some machines : an object that looks like a coin and is used in place of a coin
-
: something that is a symbol of a feeling, event, etc.
token
Definition of token for English Language Learners
-
—used to describe something that is done with very little effort and only to give the appearance that an effort is being made
-
: included in a group only to prevent criticism that people of a particular kind are being unfairly left out
TOKEN Defined for Kids
token
playDefinition of token for Students
1 : an outer sign : proof “… you ought to take this for a plain and visible token that you are not to be a seafaring man.” — Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe
2 : a piece like a coin that has a special use a bus token
3 : an object used to suggest something that cannot be pictured This ring is a token of my affection.
4 : souvenir
5 : indication 2
Learn More about token
-
See words that rhyme with token Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for token Spanish Central: Translation of token Nglish: Translation of token for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of token for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about token
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up token? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!