rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryinsigniaBadge of rank or membership
noun

insignia

in-SIG-nee-uh/ɪnˈsɪɡniə/

A badge or symbol showing rank, office, or membership.

The officer wears an insignia that identifies her rank.

A close-up of a naval officer's shoulder board attached to a white uniform shoulder, with a prominent gold anchor and four gold rank stripes.
Etymology
inLatinin, on
+signiaLatinidentifying mark, sign

The identifying-mark root, combined with in-, underlies a Latin term for a badge of honor or office. An insignia is thus a sign that identifies someone's rank, authority, or affiliation.

In context

Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art15:49
… probably containing intaglio seal with his crest or insignia.
Georgian Provocations II: A Black King in Georgian London: British Art and Postrevolutionary Haiti

More examples

  • Club members wear pins bearing the club's insignia.
  • The captain's insignia is sewn onto each shoulder.
  • The display includes insignias from several military units.

Forms

insignia · insignias

Similar words

badge
Usually a physical item worn to show identity or authority.
emblem
Represents a group or idea without necessarily indicating rank.
symbol
Can represent any idea, not just rank, office, or membership.