accolade

noun

ac·​co·​lade ˈa-kə-ˌlād How to pronounce accolade (audio)
-ˌläd
1
a
: a mark of acknowledgment : award
received the highest accolade of his profession
b
: an expression of praise
a movie that has drawn accolades from both fans and critics
2
a
: a ceremonial embrace
b
: a ceremony or salute conferring knighthood
3
music : a brace or a line used in music to join two or more staffs carrying simultaneous parts

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What is the origin of accolade?

Give credit where credit is due: it's time to celebrate accolade for its centuries of laudatory service. Accolade joined English in the 16th century from the Middle French noun acolade, which in turn comes from the verb accoler, meaning "to embrace." When it was first borrowed from French, accolade referred to a ceremonial embrace that formally conferred knighthood. The term was later extended to other ceremonial acts conferring knighthood (such as the familiar touching of the shoulders with the flat part of a sword's blade), and then to other ceremonies marking the recognition of a special merit, distinction, or achievement. Today it refers more broadly to an award or expression of praise.

Examples of accolade in a Sentence

There is no higher accolade at this school than an honorary degree. for their exceptional bravery the firefighters received accolades from both local and national officials
Recent Examples on the Web Miranda Lambert Welcomes New Horse Named Cool: ‘A Match Made in Cowgirl Heaven’ Despite the accolades, Velvet Rodeo will come to an end on April 6. Mark Gray, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2024 Meier was a standout player at Duke, earning Freshman All-America honors in 1986 and District 2 All-America accolades in 1990. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2024 The handiwork of famous designer Bruno Putzeys, Mola Mola’s take-no-prisoners approach to sound has earned the company accolades in the audio press. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2024 Already, this new project has gathered industry accolades, such as the IDFA Bertha Fund. Savina Petkova, Variety, 15 Mar. 2024 Leading a drum-less band with a vocalist, keyboardist and bassist, the Bay Area native showcased the kind of fancy fretwork that has won her accolades from Margo Price, Tyler Childers, the Gaslight Anthem and Susan Tedeschi. Daniel Kohn, SPIN, 14 Mar. 2024 This award was then a surprise accolade based on a year of production, whereas today it is given as a lifetime achievement award. Chris Yogerst, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2024 Throughout the awards season, Nolan has received many accolades, including best director at the BAFTAs, Critics Choice, DGA, and Golden Globes. Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2024 His former costar and real life daughter, Sarah Levy, and Catherine O'Hara joined him on Friday for the accolade and honored his onscreen legacy with heartfelt speeches. Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'accolade.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French acolade, accolade "embrace," from acoler "to embrace" (going back to Old French, from a-, prefix forming transitive verbs—going back to Latin ad- ad-— + col "neck," going back to Latin collum) + -ade -ade — more at collar entry 1

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of accolade was in 1591

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Cite this Entry

“Accolade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accolade. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

accolade

noun
ac·​co·​lade ˈak-ə-ˌlād How to pronounce accolade (audio)
1
: a formal salute (as a tap on the shoulder with the blade of a sword) that marks the conferring of knighthood
2
: a mark of recognition of merit : praise

More from Merriam-Webster on accolade

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