insignia

[in-sig-nee-uh]

noun

insigne , insignia, insignias .

1. a badge or distinguishing mark of office or honor.

   a military insignia.

2. a distinguishing mark or sign of anything.

   an insignia of mourning.

insignia

/ ɪnˈsɪɡnɪə /

noun

1. a badge or emblem of membership, office, or dignity

2. a distinguishing sign or mark

Usage

Insignia, originally the plural of Latin insigne, began to be used as a singular in the 18th century, and the plural insignias appeared shortly thereafter. All uses— insignia as a singular or plural and insignias as a plural—are fully standard. The singular insigne still occurs, but insignia is more common.

Word History and Origins

Origin of insignia¹

1640–50; < Latin, plural of insigne mark, badge, noun use of neuter of insignis distinguished (by a mark); in- ², sign

Word History and Origins

Origin of insignia¹

C17: from Latin: marks, badges, from insignis distinguished by a mark, prominent, from _in- ² + signum mark

Example Sentences

At the helm of a massive shiny black truck bearing the Teamsters insignia, a driver clenched a cigar between his teeth as he steered with one hand and pulled an overhead horn with the other.

From Los Angeles Times

The agency’s insignia was torn from the entryway.

From Salon

Guerrero-Cruz told Becerra he did not recall any agency insignia worn by the men who took him and who talked about the $1,500.

From Los Angeles Times

As if to intentionally blur the borderline between military and civilian authorities, the federal agents arrived dressed in black military-looking uniforms without identifying insignia and drove unmarked vehicles.

From Salon

Most experts agree that the longstanding custom in the U.S. is for law enforcement officers to wear uniforms and recognizable insignia.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• badge 
• coat of arms 
• decoration 
• ensign 
• paraphernalia 
• regalia 
• symbol