A badge is a small piece of metal, plastic, or cloth that is worn on clothing or carried as a sign of identification or accomplishment. Badges have been used for centuries to identify individuals, groups, and organizations.
Definitions
A badge is a symbol or emblem worn to signify rank, membership, or achievement. It can also be a mark or sign of distinction or honor.
Origin
The word badge comes from the Old French word “baje” which means “sign” or “mark”. The use of badges dates back to medieval times when knights would wear a coat of arms to identify themselves on the battlefield.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a badge is “a distinctive emblem worn as a mark of allegiance, membership, achievement, or authority.”
Merriam-Webster defines a badge as “a device or emblem worn as an insignia of rank, office, or membership in an organization.”
Associations
Badges are often associated with law enforcement, military, and emergency services. They are also used in schools, businesses, and organizations to indicate membership or achievement.
Synonyms
Synonyms for badge include emblem, insignia, token, mark, and symbol.
Antonyms
Antonyms for badge include shame, dishonor, and disgrace.
The same root words
Words with the same root as badge include badger, a small burrowing mammal, and budge, meaning to move slightly.
Example Sentences
- The police officer proudly wore his badge on his uniform.
- The student received a badge for perfect attendance.
- The company gave out badges to employees who completed a training program.
- The scout earned a badge for his outdoor skills.
- The soldier’s badge indicated his rank in the military.