# emblem

/ˈɛmbɫəm/ (US) · /ˈɛmbləm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/emblem
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a symbol or badge

noun · CEFR B2

a design or object that represents a group, a country, or a family.

For teachers: a distinctive badge or heraldic device that serves as a symbol for a particular entity, such as a nation or organisation.

- The national emblem of Canada is the maple leaf.
- The regiment's emblem was prominently displayed on the gates of the barracks, featuring a golden eagle against a deep blue background.

Usage: Often used with 'of' to show what the symbol represents.

### 2. a representative example

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

something that is a perfect example of a larger idea or feeling.

For teachers: a person or thing that serves as a concrete representation of an abstract quality or a larger social movement.

- For many people, the old factory was an emblem of the city's history.
- The crumbling architecture became a tragic emblem of the once-prosperous region's economic decline.

Teaching tip: In this sense, 'emblem' is more formal and literary than 'symbol'.

### 3. moral picture

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

an old type of picture with a short poem that teaches a lesson about life.

For teachers: a picture accompanied by a motto or verses intended to provide a moral lesson or religious meditation.

- The book contained several emblems showing the dangers of greed.
- Renaissance scholars often studied complex emblems that combined intricate woodcuts with Latin poetry to convey philosophical truths.

### 4. to represent

verb · CEFR C2 · Archaic

to be a symbol of something.

For teachers: to represent or serve as a symbol for something else.

- The white rose was used to emblem the purity of the queen.
- In his earlier poems, the author sought to emblem the struggle between nature and industry through vivid floral imagery.

## Examples

- The dove is a famous emblem of peace.
- The school's emblem is embroidered on the pocket of every student's blazer.
- The eagle was adopted as a national emblem to represent strength and freedom, appearing on everything from official seals to currency.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.