Meaning & use
emblems
Last updated
“emblems” is a form of “emblem”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nouncountable
A picture or object that people use as a sign of a group, country, or idea.
Grammar: Countable; the singular is 'emblem'. Use 'an emblem of' before the thing it stands for.
Patterns
- an emblem of something
- the national emblem
- a team emblem
The maple leaf is an emblem of Canada.
Each school has its own emblem on the uniform.
The dove is often used as an emblem of peace.
nouncountable
A small design or badge worn on clothing to show who you are or what you belong to.
Grammar: Countable; often used for badges on uniforms, cars, or official papers.
Patterns
- wear an emblem
- the company emblem
- an emblem on something
The pilot wore a silver emblem on his jacket.
You can see the club emblem on the front of the car.
The emblem on the certificate shows it is official.
Word forms
| singular | emblem |
|---|
Common combinations
- national emblem
- The bald eagle is the national emblem of the United States.
- an emblem of
- The ring is an emblem of their friendship.
- wear an emblem
- Soldiers wear an emblem on their sleeve.
- club emblem
- The club emblem is a red lion.
Synonyms and how they differ
Word family
- emblematic adjective
- Meaning 'typical of' or 'standing as a sign of' something.
Practice
The dove is often used as an _____ of peace.
Choose one answer.
'An' before the gap signals a singular countable noun, so 'emblem' is correct. 'Emblems' is plural and would need 'as emblems of peace' without 'an'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “emblems”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.