medal
B1Neutral, formal and informal
Definition
Meaning
A small, flat piece of metal, often shaped like a coin or disc, awarded as an honor for achievement, bravery, or to commemorate an event.
By extension, a symbol of outstanding achievement or recognition in any field; can also refer to a medallion worn as decoration or a similar decorative object.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Refers specifically to the physical award object. The achievement is implied but not denoted by the word itself. Distinguished from 'medallion' which is typically larger, more decorative, and not necessarily an award.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and usage are identical. Minor cultural differences in names of specific medals (e.g., UK: Victoria Cross, George Cross; US: Medal of Honor, Purple Heart). The verb 'to medal' (to win a medal) is slightly more established in US sports commentary.
Connotations
Strong, positive connotations of success, honour, and prestige in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common and frequent in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
VERB + medal: win/earn/receive/award a medalADJECTIVE + medal: gold/silver/bronze/Olympic/commemorative medalmedal + NOUN: medal ceremony/medal table/medal winnerVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “be in the medal hunt (competing for a medal)”
- “a medal of honour (specific US award, but also used generically)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical: 'His sales figures earned him a gold medal from management.' (Recognition)
Academic
Historical/sociological studies of awards systems, military history.
Everyday
Discussing sports, school achievements, or news stories about honours.
Technical
Sport science (analysing medal performance), numismatics (study of medals as objects), heraldry.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The team is hoping to medal in the finals.
- She narrowly missed medalling in the 100m sprint.
American English
- He medaled in three events at the state championships.
- The athlete failed to medal this season.
adjective
British English
- She is a medal hopeful for the Games.
- The medal ceremony begins at noon.
American English
- He's a medal contender in wrestling.
- They reached the medal round of the tournament.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He has a gold medal.
- She won a medal at school.
- The athlete hopes to win a medal at the Olympics.
- He received a medal for his bravery.
- Despite a valiant effort, the team just missed out on a medal.
- The old soldier's medals were proudly displayed in a case.
- The country's medal haul was disappointing, reflecting a lack of investment in grassroots sport.
- Her lifetime of service was recognised with a commemorative medal.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a table made of MEDALs (MEDAL TABLE). Or, 'MEDAL' sounds like 'METAL', which is what it's usually made from.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACHIEVEMENT IS A PHYSICAL PRIZE; RECOGNITION IS A TANGIBLE OBJECT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'медальон' (medallion - a pendant/locket). 'Medal' is specifically 'медаль'.
- 'Medal' is countable: 'He has three medals.' NOT 'He has medal.'
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'meddle' (to interfere). 'She won a gold meddle' is incorrect.
- Using 'medal' as a mass noun (e.g., 'He won medal'). It is always countable.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'medal' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, primarily a noun (the object). The verb 'to medal' (meaning to win a medal) is common in sports contexts, especially in North American English, but is considered informal by some.
A medal is typically an award (Olympic medal). A medallion is usually a larger decorative piece of jewellery (a necklace medallion) or a sculptural relief, not necessarily given as an award.
It's pronounced /ˈmed(ə)l/, rhyming with 'pedal' and 'meddle'. The 'e' is a short vowel sound like in 'bed'.
Typically no. Medals are for the top placements (usually 1st-gold, 2nd-silver, 3rd-bronze). Participation awards or last place are usually called 'ribbons', 'certificates', or simply 'did not medal'.