cockade: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal/Historical
Quick answer
What does “cockade” mean?
a rosette, knot of ribbon, or badge worn on a hat or lapel, especially as part of a uniform or to indicate political affiliation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a rosette, knot of ribbon, or badge worn on a hat or lapel, especially as part of a uniform or to indicate political affiliation.
A distinctive, often circular, ornament, emblem, or badge worn as a sign of office, membership, or allegiance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Slightly more frequent in UK contexts due to historical references to British military and royal household uniforms.
Connotations
Both dialects share connotations of tradition, ceremony, and historical identity (e.g., 'the tricolour cockade').
Frequency
Rare in everyday language in both regions; used primarily in historical, military, or ceremonial writing.
Grammar
How to Use “cockade” in a Sentence
to wear a cockadeto adorn [hat] with a cockadea cockade signifying [allegiance/office]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cockade” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The regiment will be cockaded for the royal visit.
- He cockaded his bicorne hat with the regiment's colours.
American English
- The reenactors cockaded their hats with authentic reproductions.
- The unit's tradition involved cockading new recruits.
adverb
British English
- None standard.
American English
- None standard.
adjective
British English
- The cockaded hats presented a splendid sight.
- He was a cockade-wearing supporter of the old regime.
American English
- The cockade badge was a required part of the uniform.
- Cockade ribbons were distributed to the crowd.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Used in historical, political science, or military history texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare; might appear in historical novels or period dramas.
Technical
Used in uniformology, ceremonial dress descriptions, and historical re-enactment contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cockade”
- Confusing it with 'cockatoo' or 'cocktail'.
- Misspelling as 'cockard' or 'cocarde'.
- Using it to describe modern lapel pins or brooches, which dilutes its historical specificity.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both are worn as badges, a cockade is specifically a pleated or knotted ribbon ornament, often circular, with strong historical and ceremonial associations. A lapel pin can be any material and design.
Primarily in historical writing, museum displays of uniforms, period films/novels, and descriptions of formal ceremonial dress (e.g., for coachmen, certain military officers, or royal household staff).
Yes, but it is extremely rare and highly specialised. It means 'to furnish or adorn with a cockade,' and is used almost exclusively in historical or descriptive contexts.
The tricolour cockade (blue, white, red) of the French Revolution, which evolved into a national symbol of France.
a rosette, knot of ribbon, or badge worn on a hat or lapel, especially as part of a uniform or to indicate political affiliation.
Cockade is usually formal/historical in register.
Cockade: in British English it is pronounced /kɒˈkeɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /kɑˈkeɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a COCK (rooster) with a fancy ADE (lemonade) - but instead of drinking, it's wearing a bright, circular badge on its head. A 'cock-ade' is a badge worn on a hat.
Conceptual Metaphor
A COCKADE IS A MARK OF IDENTITY (like a flag worn on the person).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'cockade' MOST appropriately used?