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
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Examples of token in a Sentence
please accept this parting gift as a token of our lasting affection
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
First Known Use: before 12th century
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.
1915
First Known Use of token
1915
TOKEN Defined for English Language Learners
token
playDefinition of token for English Language Learners
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: 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
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: something that is a symbol of a feeling, event, etc.
token
Definition of token for English Language Learners
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—used to describe something that is done with very little effort and only to give the appearance that an effort is being made
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: 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
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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
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