badge
noun (countable)
UK/bædʒ/US/bædʒ/
a small piece of metal, cloth, or plastic worn to show membership, achievement, identity, or authority
Example Sentences
He proudly wore a badge showing he was part of the community council.
Security personnel checked each visitor’s badge before granting access to the conference hall.
Volunteers received name badges upon arrival at the event.
She pinned the souvenir badge to her backpack for everyone to see.
Collecting badges from different universities became his unique hobby.
Wearing a police badge is a symbol of authority and responsibility, signifying the duty to uphold public safety and maintain societal order at all times.
Exhibitors had to display their badge prominently during the trade show, enabling organizers to track entry and ensure a smooth flow of attendees from various industries.
After years of dedicated service, he was awarded a special badge of honor as recognition for his commitment and achievements.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A wearable sign or insignia representing rank, accomplishment, identity, or group membership.A “badge” typically is a small, visible emblem—often pinned or worn—indicating a person’s role, identity, or qualifications. You might see badges on a police officer’s uniform, displaying authority and department affiliation, or on scouts who’ve completed certain tasks or earned certain honors. In conferences, name badges help identify attendees. In digital or gaming environments, “badges” serve as virtual achievements showing skills, status, or milestones. Whether physical or digital, a badge highlights membership, recognition, or clearance in a succinct, easily recognizable format.
Alternatives
Close synonyms or alternatives vary by context. “Insignia” connotes a formal or military connotation, while “emblem” signals a broader symbol. “Patch” might describe a stitched cloth symbol (like on uniforms). “Pin” or “button” can be worn to show support or membership, though they’re not necessarily official. Meanwhile, “medal” implies a more prestigious award, often for competition or bravery. “Badge” remains standard for everyday or organizational identification (e.g., workplace ID badges, conference name badges) and for discrete markers of accomplishment or authority.
Writing
When referencing badges in formal or academic writing, clarify their function: do they grant access, validate authority, or simply display an accomplishment? For law enforcement, detail how the badge identifies the officer and their jurisdiction. In organizations, note how name badges help networking or signal security clearance. If discussing gaming or online platforms, point out how earning badges motivates user engagement. Providing context—like who issues the badge, what it signifies, and how it’s used—helps readers grasp its importance. If describing historical or cultural traditions (like heraldry or medieval badges), you might note the craftsmanship, symbolic imagery, and social status they conveyed. In modern marketing or promotional events, highlight how badges can foster brand recognition or unify participants under a shared identity.
Casual Conversation
In everyday talk, someone might say, “I forgot my office badge, so I couldn’t get in,” showing how it’s key for entry or ID. Conventions and expos often rely on “badge pickup” lines, prompting, “Did you get your badge yet?” Among friends, “Check out the badge I earned in that online game,” underscores digital achievements. People also joke about trivial feats—“I should get a badge for finishing that monstrous pizza!”—using the word to highlight a playful sense of accomplishment. Socially or professionally, badges remain a quick marker, telling others who you are, what you do, or what you’ve achieved.
Etymology
“Badge” is rooted in Middle English “bage,” likely derived from Old French “bage,” meaning “emblem” or “sign.” Historically, badges helped visually identify allegiance, rank, or membership—like how medieval knights displayed heraldic signs. Over centuries, the concept broadened, applying to any small symbol worn or displayed, whether for authority (police), skill recognition (Scouts), or basic identification (conference attendees). In the digital era, online badges continue that tradition, representing achievements or statuses in virtual communities. Regardless of platform, “badge” persists as a concise tool for announcing identity, accomplishments, or authority at a glance.