insignia
noun
in·sig·nia
in-ˈsig-nē-ə
variants
or less commonly insigne
plural insignia or insignias
1
: a badge of authority or honor
2
: a distinguishing mark or sign
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Insignia are the official signs of rank, titles, or awards. Medals are an example, as are the crowns of monarchs. The Catholic church employs such insignia as the red robes of cardinals. U.S. presidents have the presidential seal, which appears on the stand when they're giving a speech. But most of us think first of the bars, stripes, badges, and patches of military rank.
Cite this Entry
“Insignia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insignia. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.
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