trophy
n.-
1 award for winning (n.) B1 Intermediate Sporta prize, such as a gold cup or a statue, given to the winner of a race or game.
a decorative object, typically a cup or shield, awarded as a mark of victory in a sporting or competitive event.
ExampleThe captain held the trophy high above his head after the final whistle.
ExampleThe club's trophy cabinet was filled with silver cups and medals won over a century of local competition.
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2 memento of success (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatesomething you keep to show that you were successful or defeated an enemy.
an object taken as a prize by a conqueror or hunter, often displayed as a sign of prowess or victory.
ExampleThe hunter kept the deer's antlers as a trophy on his wall.
ExampleThe victorious army returned with captured banners and weapons to serve as trophies of their successful campaign.
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3 status symbol (n.) C1 Advanced Informala person or thing that someone has just to show off their wealth or success.
an emblem of success or a status symbol, often used to describe a person or object acquired to enhance one's social standing.
ExampleHe bought the expensive sports car as a trophy to show off his new wealth.
ExampleThe term 'trophy wife' is often used pejoratively to describe a spouse who is viewed primarily as a status symbol for their partner.
- status symbol
- showpiece
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4 architectural ornament (n.) C2 Proficiency Technical Formal Architecturea decoration in art or buildings that looks like a group of weapons or flags.
a representation of a group of weapons, flags, or other military items used as a decorative motif in art or architecture.
ExampleThe stone walls of the old palace were decorated with trophies of shields and spears.
ExampleThe neoclassical facade featured elaborate stone trophies depicting naval instruments and anchors to celebrate the country's maritime history.
From Middle French trophée, from Latin trophaeum (“a sign of victory, a monument”), tropaeum, from Ancient Greek τρόπαιον (trópaion, “monument of an enemy's defeat”), from neuter of τροπαῖος (tropaîos, “of defeat”), from τροπή (tropḗ, “a rout, a turning of an enemy”).