Medallist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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medallist

[หˆmษ›dษ™list ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

sports award

A medallist is a person who has been awarded a medal, particularly in sports competitions such as the Olympics or other tournaments. Medallists are recognized for their outstanding performance and achievement, typically ranking among the top competitors in their fields. The term can also refer to a person who creates or specializes in medals.

Synonyms

champion, holder, winner.

Examples of usage

  • The gold medallist celebrated with her teammates.
  • He became a medallist after winning the championship.
  • She is known as a talented medallist in her sport.

Translations

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Origin of 'medallist'

The term 'medallist' originates from the word 'medal,' which itself comes from the Latin 'medalia,' meaning 'coin' or 'medal.' The use of medals as awards dates back to ancient times, but the modern concept developed primarily in the 19th century, associated with competitive activities. The suffix '-ist' denotes a person associated with a specific field or activity, in this case, those who receive medals in various competitions. Over time, 'medallist' has been widely adopted to refer specifically to those who achieve success in athletic competitions, especially at prestigious events like the Olympics. The rise of competitive sports and the establishment of formal awards have solidified the role of medallists within sporting culture.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,803, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.