insignia

noun

in·​sig·​nia in-ˈsig-nē-ə 

variants or less commonly insigne

in-ˈsig-(ˌ)nē 

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.

Examples of insignia in a Sentence

Their jackets have the school's insignia on the front.

Recent Examples on the Web

Russian medals, insignia, military whatnots, uniform caps for sale— memorabilia = cherished, no matter what. —Marianne Boruch, The New York Review of Books, 20 Feb. 2025

Footage verified from social media illustrates the RSF’s advance; videos show armed fighters wearing the RSF’s hallmark tan camouflage and insignia capturing a militia outpost on the edge of the camp. —Avery Schmitz, Aleena Fayaz and Kaila Nichols, CNN, 14 Feb. 2025

Boom boxes and street gang insignias and clothing motifs were banned. —Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024

Related Articles Kicking off this latest chapter, the brand unveiled a new logo centered around the M insignia and appointed Alexa Chung, who is of Chinese descent, a brand ambassador. —Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin insignia, plural of insigne mark, badge, from neuter of insignis marked, distinguished, from in- + signum mark — more at sign

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

insignia

noun

in·​sig·​nia in-ˈsig-nē-ə 

plural insignia or insignias

: an emblem of a special authority, office, or honor : badge