Is 'gold medal' only for the Olympics?

No, it is used for any competition where a gold medal is awarded for first place (e.g., World Championships, Commonwealth Games, national contests).

Can 'gold medal' be used as a verb?

Yes, informally (e.g., 'She gold-medalled'). It's more common in sports journalism than in formal writing.

What's the difference between 'gold medal' and 'gold medalist'?

'Gold medal' is the object/award. 'Gold medalist' (UK) or 'gold medalist' (US) is the person who won it.

How do you pronounce 'medal' in 'gold medal'?

UK: /ˈmed.əl/. US: /ˈmed.əl/. It is a homophone with 'meddle'. The 'a' is a schwa sound.

Is “gold medal” formal?

Gold medal is usually neutral to formal in register.

gold medal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˌɡəʊld ˈmed.əl/US/ˌɡoʊld ˈmed.əl/

Neutral to Formal

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “gold medal” mean?

The first prize or award, traditionally made of gold or gold-colored, given for first place in a competition, especially in sports.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The first prize or award, traditionally made of gold or gold-colored, given for first place in a competition, especially in sports.

A symbol or recognition of the highest achievement or top position in any competitive field.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant lexical differences. Usage is identical.

Connotations

Identical strong positive connotations of ultimate victory and excellence.

Frequency

Equally frequent in both varieties, with a peak during major sporting events.

Grammar

How to Use “gold medal” in a Sentence

to win a/the gold medal (in [event])to be awarded a gold medal (for [achievement])to take home the gold medal

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

win a gold medalOlympic gold medalgold medal winnergold medal performance

medium

award a gold medalclaim the gold medaldefend her gold medalgold medal contender

weak

dream of a gold medalpursue a gold medalcoveted gold medalgold medal hope

Examples

Examples of “gold medal” in a Sentence

verb

British English

She gold-medalled in the 400m freestyle.
He is hoping to gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.

American English

She gold-medaled in the 400m freestyle.
He is aiming to gold medal at the Pan Am Games.

adverb

British English

She performed gold-medallingly under pressure. (Rare, informal)

American English

She skated gold-medal worthy. (Rare, informal)

adjective

British English

A gold-medal performance secured her place on the team.
He is a gold-medal favourite.

American English

A gold-medal performance secured her spot on the team.
He is a gold-medal favorite.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Metaphorically used for market leadership, e.g., 'The company won the gold medal for customer satisfaction.'

Academic

Used in sports science and history papers discussing Olympic achievements.

Everyday

Primarily in sports news and discussions of competition results.

Technical

Specific to sports officiating, event management, and medal design/metallurgy.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “gold medal”

Strong

the goldvictor's medalwinning medal

Neutral

first prizetop awardchampionship medal

Weak

premier awardhighest honour

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “gold medal”

wooden spoonlast placeconsolation prize

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “gold medal”

Using 'golden medal' (adjective form less common).
Incorrect plural: *'golds medals'* instead of 'gold medals'.
Using uncountably: *'He won gold medal.'* instead of 'He won *a* gold medal.'

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is used for any competition where a gold medal is awarded for first place (e.g., World Championships, Commonwealth Games, national contests).
: Yes, informally (e.g., 'She gold-medalled'). It's more common in sports journalism than in formal writing.
: 'Gold medal' is the object/award. 'Gold medalist' (UK) or 'gold medalist' (US) is the person who won it.
: UK: /ˈmed.əl/. US: /ˈmed.əl/. It is a homophone with 'meddle'. The 'a' is a schwa sound.
: The first prize or award, traditionally made of gold or gold-colored, given for first place in a competition, especially in sports.
: Gold medal is usually neutral to formal in register.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“go for gold”
“strike gold”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

GOLD = Greatest Of League Dominators.

Conceptual Metaphor

SUCCESS IS A VALUABLE METAL / BEING FIRST IS BEING ON THE TOP PODIUM.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

After a stunning final lap, she managed to the gold medal.

Multiple Choice

What is the most common metaphorical use of 'gold medal' outside of sports?