What Does “Badge” Mean?
In English, a badge is a distinctive symbol or emblem worn to show membership, achievement, authority, or identity.
Common contexts include:
- Police or security officers (e.g., police badge)
- Scouting organizations (e.g., merit badge)
- Digital achievements (e.g., online course badge)
- Employee identification (e.g., name badge)
Types of Badges
- Authority Badges – Worn by law enforcement to signify official status.
- Achievement Badges – Awarded for completing tasks or mastering skills (common in education and gaming).
- Identification Badges – Used in workplaces for security and recognition.
- Honorific Badges – Symbolize awards or historical affiliations (e.g., military badges).
Example Sentences
See how “badge” is used in real English sentences:
- The officer flashed his badge to prove he was legitimate.
- She earned a coding badge after finishing the online bootcamp.
- All visitors must wear a visitor badge while inside the building.
- In scouting, each badge represents a new skill learned.
Fun Fact
The word “badge” dates back to the 14th century and may come from the Old French word bague, meaning “ring” or “ornament.” Over time, it evolved to represent tokens of identity or honor.