ENGLISH
REFERENCE

badge

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈbædʒ// UK //bˈædʒ// badge Archaic General-service Slang

n. a small piece of metal, plastic, or cloth that you wear to show your job, rank, or membership in a group. It can also be a digital icon on a website that shows you have achieved something.

n. a distinctive emblem, token, or mark worn to signify membership, authority, or achievement. In digital contexts, it refers to a visual indicator of a user's status or accomplishments within a software ecosystem.


SIMPLE

She wears a name badge on her uniform at work.

CONTEXTUAL

After completing the advanced coding module, the student received a digital badge to display on his profile.

COMPLEX

The officer's silver badge served as a visible symbol of his authority and his commitment to the city's safety regulations.

Origin

From Middle English badge, bagge, bage, bagy, from Anglo-Norman bage or Medieval Latin bagea, bagia (“sign, emblem”), of uncertain origin. Possibly derived from Medieval Latin baga (“ring”), from Old Saxon bāg, bōg (“ring, ornament”), from Proto-Germanic *baugaz (“ring, bracelet, armband”); or possibly the Anglo-Norman word is derived from an earlier, unattested English word (compare Old English bēag (“ring, bracelet, collar, crown”). Cognate with Scots bagie, badgie, bawgy (“badge”).

Usage

Commonly used with verbs like 'wear', 'pin on', or 'earn'.

Idioms2 entries

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