# trophy

/ˈtɹoʊfi/ (US) · /tɹˈəʊfi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/trophy
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. award for winning

noun · CEFR B1

a prize, such as a gold cup or a statue, given to the winner of a race or game.

For teachers: a decorative object, typically a cup or shield, awarded as a mark of victory in a sporting or competitive event.

- The captain held the trophy high above his head after the final whistle.
- The club's trophy cabinet was filled with silver cups and medals won over a century of local competition.

### 2. memento of success

noun · CEFR B2

something you keep to show that you were successful or defeated an enemy.

For teachers: an object taken as a prize by a conqueror or hunter, often displayed as a sign of prowess or victory.

- The hunter kept the deer's antlers as a trophy on his wall.
- The victorious army returned with captured banners and weapons to serve as trophies of their successful campaign.

### 3. status symbol

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a person or thing that someone has just to show off their wealth or success.

For teachers: an emblem of success or a status symbol, often used to describe a person or object acquired to enhance one's social standing.

- He bought the expensive sports car as a trophy to show off his new wealth.
- The term 'trophy wife' is often used pejoratively to describe a spouse who is viewed primarily as a status symbol for their partner.

### 4. architectural ornament

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

a decoration in art or buildings that looks like a group of weapons or flags.

For teachers: a representation of a group of weapons, flags, or other military items used as a decorative motif in art or architecture.

- The stone walls of the old palace were decorated with trophies of shields and spears.
- The neoclassical facade featured elaborate stone trophies depicting naval instruments and anchors to celebrate the country's maritime history.

## Examples

- The captain holds the trophy high after the final whistle.
- After winning the local tennis tournament, she placed the silver trophy on the shelf in her living room.
- The museum's collection includes several ornate trophies from the seventeenth century, originally designed to celebrate military triumphs through elaborate stone carvings of shields and banners.

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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.