token

¹to·ken

noun \ˈtō-kən\

Definition of TOKEN

1

: an outward sign or expression <his tears were tokens of his grief>

2

a : symbol, emblem <a white flag is a token of surrender> b : an instance of a linguistic expression

3

: a distinguishing feature : characteristic

4

a : souvenir, keepsake b : a small part representing the whole : indication <this is only a token of what we hope to accomplish> c : something given or shown as a guarantee (as of authority, right, or identity)

5

a : a piece resembling a coin issued as money by some person or body other than a de jure government b : a piece resembling a coin issued for use (as for fare on a bus) by a particular group on specified terms

6

: a member of a group (as a minority) that is included within a larger group through tokenism; especially : a token employee

— by the same token

: for the same reason

Examples of TOKEN

1. <please accept this parting gift as a token of our lasting affection>

Origin of TOKEN

Middle English, from Old English tācen, tācn sign, token; akin to Old High German zeihhan sign, Greek deiknynai to show — more at diction

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to TOKEN

Synonyms: commemorative, keepsake, memento, monument, remembrance, reminder, souvenir, memorial

Related Words: memorabilia; relic, vestige; cairn, landmark, marker; testimonial, tribute; cenotaph

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See Synonym Discussion at sign

Rhymes with TOKEN

broken, oaken, spoken