# insignia

/ˌɪnˈsɪɡˌniə/ (US) · /ɪnsˈɪɡniɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/insignia
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a special sign or mark that shows someone's rank or membership in a group. You often see these on military uniforms or police badges.

For teachers: a badge or distinguishing mark of military rank, office, or membership in an organisation. Often used in the plural form to refer to the collective set of symbols on a uniform.

## Examples

- The officer wore silver insignia on his shoulders.
- The pilot's jacket featured the official insignia of the air force stitched onto the left sleeve.
- Historians can often identify the specific unit and rank of a soldier by examining the unique insignia found on buttons and belt buckles recovered from the site.

## Usage notes

- Can be used as a singular noun ('an insignia') or as a collective plural ('the insignia were').

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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.