token

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noun to·ken \ˈtō-kən\

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

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 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
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.

— mark walton, Ars Technica, "Sony’s PlayLink links your phone to your PS4 for multiplayer minigame madness", 21 June 2017
VIP tickets are $85 in advance and include eight tokens, private tented area, bar and restrooms.

— enquirer staff, Cincinnati.com, "Reggae rock band to perform at Taco Festival Cincinnati", 17 June 2017
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.

— ana veciana-suarez, miamiherald, "Remember your dad’s dark, high socks and sandals? They’re back — kind of.", 12 June 2017
By the same token, if people are turning against Trump, that would suggest that those who viewed his job performance skeptically in the first place might come to strong disapproval of him.

— philip bump, Washington Post, "Strong approval of Trump is fading across a number of demographics", 7 June 2017
Tokens have doubled their prices on average since their start of trading, according to data compiled by Bloomberg, while bitcoin is also trading near a record.

— camila russo, Bloomberg.com, "Pantera Capital Adds Blockchain-Based Coins to Its Venture Capital Fund", 5 June 2017
Tokens from Ox to be added after initial coin offering Sales of tokens expected to climb to $600 million this year Dan Morehead’s Pantera Capital Management, which calls itself the first U.S. bitcoin investment firm, is buying other digital coins.

— camila russo, Bloomberg.com, "Pantera Capital Adds Blockchain-Based Coins to Its Venture Capital Fund", 5 June 2017
Withdrawing from the treaty is the latter-day equivalent of President Ronald Reagan’s 1980s removal of the solar panels that President Jimmy Carter had installed on the White House—a nose-thumbing token of tribal membership.

— vanityfair.com, "The Fallacy (and Idiocy) of Trump’s Climate Agenda", 1 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!

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

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 to·ken

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

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

Opponents who would go under Rubio’s ball screens will have to pay more respect (even if a token respect) to Teague’s jumper.

— rob mahoney, SI.com, "Grades: Timberwolves Find Optimal Point Guard Fit With Jeff Teague", 1 July 2017
Tours cost $10 and include a take-home pint glass, beer samples and a token for beer at a later time.

— kathy flanigan, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Not just for tourists: A guide to 19 entertaining brewery tours in Milwaukee", 21 June 2017
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.

— terry pluto, cleveland.com, "LeBron James was at his best -- on and off court -- when it meant most: Terry Pluto (video)", 18 June 2017
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.

— dana schwartz, Marie Claire, "Wonder Woman's Greatest Power: Proving That Female Superheroes Can Be Feminine, Too", 6 June 2017
Women for much of cinematic history have been relegated to verbal sparring, glorified cat fights, token sidekick skirmishes, or lone wolf villainy.

— sarah rense, Esquire, "Why Wonder Woman Has the Most Powerful Opening Scene In Comic Movie History", 5 June 2017
That year, the Democrats fielded a token candidate who spent less than $45,000 on his race, and raised even less.

— david weigel, Washington Post, "Emily’s List backs Elizabeth Warren acolyte in California congressional race", 2 June 2017
There’s another digital token in town that’s winning over the hearts and wallets of cryptocurrency enthusiasts across the globe.

— lily katz, Bloomberg.com, "Bitcoin Is at Risk of No Longer Being the Biggest Digital Currency", 31 May 2017
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.

— robert hackett, Fortune, "The Financial Tech Revolution Will Be Tokenized", 20 May 2017

First Known Use of token

1915

TOKEN Defined for English Language Learners

token

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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

TOKEN Defined for Kids

token

play

noun to·ken \ˈtō-kən\

Definition 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