1
a
: an ornamental brooch
especially
: the badge of an honorary order
b
: a flat thin piece (as of metal) used for decoration
c
: a commemorative or identifying inscribed tablet
2
a
: a localized abnormal patch on a body part or surface
b
: a sticky usually colorless film on teeth that is formed by and harbors bacteria
c
: an atherosclerotic lesion
d
: a histopathologic lesion of brain tissue that is characteristic of Alzheimer's disease and consists of a dense proteinaceous core composed primarily of beta-amyloid that is often surrounded and infiltrated by a cluster of degenerating axons and dendrites
3
: a clear area in a bacterial culture produced by viral destruction of cells
Examples of plaque in a Sentence
A bronze plaque marked the city's oldest building.
They gave him a plaque in honor of his 30 years of service.
Brushing your teeth prevents the buildup of plaque.
The scientists are studying the way the plaques form.
Recent Examples on the Web
His final appearance at Allianz Parque against Sporting Cristal in May was marked with the emotional presentation of a poster and a plaque, a goal and an assist, and a standing ovation from his adoring fans.
—
Jack Lang, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Betts is one of the most talented all-around players the Red Sox have ever had, and when he’s inducted into the Hall of Fame one day, there will be a Dodgers logo on his bronze plaque.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 16 June 2025
The dispute over the plaque has angered victims and inflamed a politically divisive issue on Capitol Hill.
—Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 12 June 2025
Her brain scan detected amyloid plaque, the telltale sign of Alzheimer’s.
—Jim Taylor, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for plaque
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Jack Lang, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Betts is one of the most talented all-around players the Red Sox have ever had, and when he’s inducted into the Hall of Fame one day, there will be a Dodgers logo on his bronze plaque.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 16 June 2025
The dispute over the plaque has angered victims and inflamed a politically divisive issue on Capitol Hill.
—Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 12 June 2025
Her brain scan detected amyloid plaque, the telltale sign of Alzheimer’s.
—Jim Taylor, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for plaque
Cite this Entry
“Plaque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plaque. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
plaque
noun1
: an ornamental pin
especially
: an honorary badge
2
: a flat thin piece (as of metal) used for decoration or inscribed as a memorial or marker
3
: a sticky usually colorless film on teeth that is formed by and contains bacteria
Medical Definition
plaque
noun
variants
also placque
1
a
: a localized abnormal patch on a body part or surface and especially on the skin
psoriatic plaque
b
: a sticky usually colorless film on teeth that is formed by and harbors bacteria
c
: an atherosclerotic lesion
d
: a histopathologic lesion of brain tissue that is characteristic of Alzheimer's disease and consists of a dense proteinaceous core composed primarily of beta-amyloid that is often surrounded and infiltrated by a cluster of degenerating axons and dendrites
called also senile plaque
2
: a visibly distinct and especially a clear or opaque area in a bacterial culture produced by damage to or destruction of cells by a virus
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