insignia

Etymology

From Latin īnsignia, nominative plural of īnsigne (“emblem, token, symbol”). Doublet of ensign.

Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /ɪnˈsɪɡ.ni.ə/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

insignia (plural insignias or insignia)

1. A patch or other object that indicates a person's official or military rank, or membership in a group or organization.
2. A symbol or token of personal power, status, or office, or of an official body of government or jurisdiction.
   • Mary Shelley, chapter 6 in the first part of The Last Man:

     The former Protector tendered him the oaths, and presented him with the insignia of office, performing the ceremonies of installation.

3. (figuratively) A mark or token by which anything is known.
   • 2006, P. Goodrich, The Laws of Love: A Brief Historical and Practical Manual (page 49)

     Rule 23: “The stress of love makes it hard to eat and sleep.” To these empirical laws we can add the various other insignia of love.

Noun

īnsignia

1. nominative plural of īnsigne
2. accusative plural of īnsigne
3. vocative plural of īnsigne

Noun

insignia f (plural insignias)

1. badge, insignia