token

noun to·ken \ ˈtō-kən \

Definition of token

1 a :a piece resembling a coin issued for use (as for fare on a bus) by a particular group on specified terms

b :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

3 a :symbol, emblem

a white flag is a token of surrender

b :an instance of a linguistic expression

4 a :souvenir, keepsake

b :a small part representing the whole :indication

this is only a token of what we hope to accomplish

c :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

See token defined for English-language learners

See token defined for kids

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

The idea is that as more people use Kik, the value of those tokens, called Kin, will rise.

— gerrit de vynck, Bloomberg.com, "Kik Plans to Raise $125 Million With Digital-Currency Sale," 29 Aug. 2017
A craft brew ticket, which includes five drink tokens, a bottle of High River hot sauce, and an expo T-shirt, is $40.

— lisa beebe, Los Angeles Magazine, "The Hot Sauce Expo Is This Weekend, and We Need All the Endorphins We Can Get Right Now," 16 Aug. 2017
By the same token, Jackson’s performance was solid.

— jeremy woo, SI.com, "Still Believe The Hype? NBA Rookies, Revisited," 18 July 2017
The birds also learned to trade that tool for a token—a plastic bottle cap—that would get them an even better reward.

— elizabeth pennisi, Science | AAAS, "Ravens—like humans and apes—can plan for the future," 13 July 2017
By the same token, other GOPers suggest a willingness to drive up the deficit to score lower tax rates.

— chad pergram, Fox News, "Congressional leaders must work the 'poles,' or margins, to pass key legislation," 9 July 2017
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.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "Hobby Lobby Hands Over 5,500 Illegally Imported Artifacts," 6 July 2017
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.

— jennifer larino, NOLA.com, "See inside the renovated NOPSI Hotel in New Orleans," 6 July 2017
Often she's rewarded with a sweet card, some candy or a bracelet and even occasionally a cake made just for her as a token of thanks.

— michelle matthews, AL.com, "This Alabama woman's job is to give hundreds of hugs every day," 29 June 2017

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

token Synonyms

Synonyms

commemorative, keepsake, memento, monument, remembrance, reminder, souvenir, memorial

Related Words

memorabilia; relic, vestige; cairn, landmark, marker; testimonial, tribute; cenotaph

Synonym Discussion of token

sign, mark, token, note, symptom mean a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible. sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason.

- encouraging signs for the economy

mark suggests something impressed on or inherently characteristic of a thing often in contrast to general outward appearance.

- a mark of a good upbringing

token applies to something that serves as a proof of something intangible.

- this gift is a token of our esteem

note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic.

- a note of irony in her writing

symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition.

- rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

token

adjective

Definition of token

1 a :representing no more than a symbolic effort :minimal, perfunctory

token resistance

token integration

b :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

See token defined for English-language learners

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

The addition of transit turnstiles, a subway token-studded floor and a vintage phone booth transformed into a photo booth further up the authenticity of this venue.

— michael benninger, Pacific San Diego Magazine, "Meet your bartender: Zack Ball," 29 Aug. 2017
Kenan Thompson appeared in the cold open as the rally’s token black attendee, who was hired to be there.

— dana rose falcone, PEOPLE.com, "He's Back! Alec Baldwin's Trump Returns to Weekend Update to Reveal the 'True Victim' of Charlottesville Tragedy," 25 Aug. 2017
Instead of featuring one one-size-fits-all deep shade or even three token dark shades, A.P.D.G. focused on making 16— yes, 16.

— devon abelman, Glamour, "This Under-the-Radar Foundation Has a Seriously Massive Shade Range," 10 Aug. 2017
Instead of featuring one one-size-fits-all deep shade or even three token dark shades, A.P.D.G. focused on making about 16 — yes, 16.

— devon abelman, Allure, "A.P.D.G.'s Inclusive Foundation Shade Range Is Going Totally Viral," 8 Aug. 2017
Culling its title from the infamous Cobra Kai dojo that provided the backdrop for Macchio and Zabka's token rivalry, the series touts a reimagined take on the three-part saga.

— los angeles times staff, latimes.com, "A Star Is Born: Billy Bob Thornton turns 62 today," 4 Aug. 2017
King County Executive Dow Constantine faces rather token opposition in his bid for a third term.

— daniel beekman, The Seattle Times, "Seattle mayoral primary shaped by growth, livability issues," 29 July 2017
While the two are canoodling in the ship’s lower deck, who should appear but Euron, this season’s token terrible person.

— danielle ohl, baltimoresun.com, "'Game of Thrones' episode 2 recap: 'Be a dragon'," 24 July 2017
Turkey promised support for the embattled emirate and rushed through a bill allowing deployment of a token number of soldiers, and held a joint military exercise near the Qatari capital Doha.

— onur ant, Bloomberg.com, "Saudis Are After the Muslim Brotherhood, and Turkey's In the Way," 3 July 2017

First Known Use of token

1915

TOKEN Defined for English Language Learners

token

noun

Definition 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

adjective

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