A1 noun Neutral #139 most common

medal

/ˈmɛd.əl/

A small, flat piece of metal, usually circular, given as a reward for a special achievement like winning a sports competition or showing bravery. It is often attached to a ribbon and worn around the neck.

Examples

3 of 5
1

He won a gold medal in the 100-meter race at school.

He won a gold medal in the 100-meter race at school.

2

The president presented a medal of bravery to the soldier.

The president presented a medal of bravery to the soldier.

3

I finally got a medal for finishing the marathon!

I finally got a medal for finishing the marathon!

Word Family

Noun
medal
Verb
medal
Adjective
medaled
Related
medalist
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Memory Tip

Remember: You win a Medal made of Metal if you are a Model athlete.

Quick Quiz

The athlete was very proud to wear the silver ___ around her neck.

Correct!

The correct answer is: medal

Examples

1

He won a gold medal in the 100-meter race at school.

everyday

He won a gold medal in the 100-meter race at school.

2

The president presented a medal of bravery to the soldier.

formal

The president presented a medal of bravery to the soldier.

3

I finally got a medal for finishing the marathon!

informal

I finally got a medal for finishing the marathon!

4

The study examines the historical significance of the military medal in the 19th century.

academic

The study examines the historical significance of the military medal in the 19th century.

5

The executive received a commemorative medal for twenty-five years of service.

business

The executive received a commemorative medal for twenty-five years of service.

Word Family

Noun
medal
Verb
medal
Adjective
medaled
Related
medalist

Common Collocations

win a medal win a medal
gold medal gold medal
silver medal silver medal
bronze medal bronze medal
award a medal award a medal

Common Phrases

medal ceremony

medal ceremony

the reverse of the medal

the reverse of the medal (the other side of the story)

medal table

medal table

Often Confused With

medal vs metal

Metal is the material (like iron or gold), while a medal is the object given as an award.

medal vs meddle

Meddle is a verb meaning to interfere in something that is not your business.

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Usage Notes

The word 'medal' is most commonly used in the context of the Olympics or military honors. In sports, it is usually preceded by the type of metal: gold, silver, or bronze.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often misspell the word as 'metal' because they sound very similar in some accents.

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Memory Tip

Remember: You win a Medal made of Metal if you are a Model athlete.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle French 'médaille', which comes from the Italian 'medaglia', originally referring to a coin of small value.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Plural: medals Often used with the verbs 'win', 'earn', or 'receive'
🌍

Cultural Context

In the Olympic Games, receiving a gold medal is considered the highest possible achievement for an athlete.

Quick Quiz

The athlete was very proud to wear the silver ___ around her neck.

Correct!

The correct answer is: medal

Related Grammar Rules

More Sports words

football

A1

A popular team sport played with a round ball where two teams try to kick the ball into the other team's goal. It can also refer to the specific ball used to play this game.

basketball

A1

Basketball is a sport played by two teams of five players on a rectangular court. The objective is to score points by throwing a large orange ball through a raised hoop called a basket.

baseball

A1

Baseball is a team sport played with a bat, a ball, and gloves on a field with four bases. Two teams of nine players take turns hitting the ball and trying to run around the bases to score points called runs.

tennis

A1

Tennis is a popular racket sport played on a rectangular court between two players or two pairs. The goal is to hit a ball over a net into the opponent's side of the court using a racket.

volleyball

A1

Volleyball is a team sport played by two teams on a court separated by a high net. Players use their hands or arms to hit a ball back and forth over the net, trying to make the ball touch the ground on the opponent's side.

swimming

A1

Swimming is the activity or sport of moving through water using your arms and legs. It is a popular form of exercise and a competitive sport practiced in pools or open water.

running

A1

The activity or sport of moving fast on foot, often done for exercise or in a race. It involves a pace faster than walking where both feet are briefly off the ground at the same time.

cycling

A1

Cycling is the activity of riding a bicycle for exercise, sport, or travel. It involves using your legs to push pedals that turn wheels to move forward.

wrestling

A1

Wrestling is a sport where two people fight by holding and throwing each other to the ground. It does not involve hitting or kicking and usually takes place on a soft mat.

martial arts

A1

Martial arts are sports that involve fighting or self-defense, such as karate, judo, or kung fu. They are practiced for many reasons, including fitness, competition, and mental discipline.

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