trophy

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noun tro·phy \ ˈtrō-fē \

Definition of trophy

plural trophies

1 :something gained or given in victory or conquest especially when preserved or mounted as a memorial

2 a :a memorial of an ancient Greek or Roman victory raised on the field of battle or on the nearest land for a naval victory

b :a representation of such a memorial (as on a medal); also :an architectural ornament representing a group of military weapons

3 :a game animal or fish suitable for mounting as a trophy —usually used attributively

4 :one that is prized for qualities that enhance prestige or social status —usually used attributively

a trophy wife

a trophy house

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trophy

transitive verb

See trophy defined for English-language learners

See trophy defined for kids

Recent Examples of trophy from the Web

For striped bass to survive and attain these trophy sizes, the availability of suitable summertime habitat is likely the most important factor.

— frank sargeant, AL.com, "Time to gear up for Alabama hunting seasons," 27 Aug. 2017
SILVERSMITH: Only at The Open is there a silversmith on site, ready to engrave the new champion’s name on the trophy .

— tim dahlberg, The Seattle Times, "Sod, silversmith and a funky clubhouse all in play at Open," 19 July 2017
Democrats could work with Republicans toward a package of effective measures, offering Republicans the trophy of replacing the individual mandate.

— ed kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "Now What? Democrats Must Decide How to Exploit the Collapse of Trumpcare.," 19 July 2017
At a restaurant, Peter (jokingly) refers to Rachel as a trophy and then introduces her to his chill group of friends who literally could be the cast of a Happy Endings-esque sitcom.

— elizabeth logan, Glamour, "'The Bachelorette' Season 13 Episode 8 Recap: Dean Has an Emotional Hometown," 17 July 2017
Landau finally won the trophy a few years later for playing Bela Lugosi in Tim Burton’s Ed Wood (1994).

— gary susman, vanityfair.com, "Martin Landau, Oscar Winner for Ed Wood and Classic Television Star, Dies at 89," 16 July 2017
That made it all the more of a contrast with a second set that quickly became a bittersweet procession toward the trophy for Muguruza and toward disappointment for Williams, who seemed out of energy and solutions.

— christopher clarey, New York Times, "Garbiñe Muguruza Wins Wimbledon, Defeating Venus Williams," 15 July 2017
The manager of the winning team suggested both groups be photographed together with the trophies in a show of good sportsmanship.

— rob manker, Naperville Sun, "Manker: Baseball coaches can affect kids far beyond a winning or losing season," 13 July 2017
Jeff Conine of the Florida Marlins holds the 1995 All-Star MVP trophy at The Ballpark in Arlington, July 11.

— george richards, miamiherald, "The Marlins are ready to make more All-Star memories — this time in Miami," 9 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'trophy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of trophy

Middle French trophee, from Medieval Latin tropheum, from Latin tropaeum, trophaeum, from Greek tropaion, from neuter of tropaios of a turning, of a rout, from tropē turn, rout, from trepein to turn

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

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trophy Synonyms

Synonyms

boast, credit, crown jewel, honor, jewel, pride, treasure, glory

Related Words

pièce de résistance, showpiece; attraction, feature, highlight; distinction, excellence, merit, value, virtue

Near Antonyms

disgrace, dishonor; blemish, blot, defect, shame, slur, smirch, smudge, stain, stigma; eyesore, fright, horror, mess

-trophy

noun combining form

Definition of -trophy

:nutrition :nurture :growth

dystrophy

Origin and Etymology of -trophy

New Latin -trophia, from Greek, from -trophos nourishing, from trephein

TROPHY Defined for English Language Learners

trophy

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noun

Definition of trophy for English Language Learners

: an object (such as a large cup or sculpture) that is given as a prize for winning a competition
: something that you keep or take to show that you were successful in hunting, war, etc.