Definition of token (Entry 1 of 2)
1a : a piece resembling a coin issued for use (as for fare on a bus) by a particular group on specified terms
b : a piece resembling a coin issued as money by some person or body other than a de jure government
c : a unit of a cryptocurrency
Bitcoin tokens
2 : an outward sign or expression
his tears were tokens of his grief
3a : SYMBOL, EMBLEM
a white flag is a token of surrender
b : an instance of a linguistic expression
4a : 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 member of a group (such as a minority) that is included within a larger group through tokenism
especially : a token employee
6 : a distinguishing feature : CHARACTERISTIC
by the same token
: for the same reason
token adjective
Definition of token (Entry 2 of 2)
1a : representing no more than a symbolic effort : MINIMAL, PERFUNCTORY
token resistance
token integration
b : serving or intended to show absence of discrimination
a token female employee
2 : done or given as a token especially in partial fulfillment of an obligation or engagement
a token payment
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Synonyms for token
Synonyms: Noun
commemorative, keepsake, memento, memorial, monument, remembrance, reminder, souvenir
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Noun
SIGN, MARK, TOKEN, NOTE, SYMPTOM mean a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible. SIGN applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason. encouraging signs for the economy MARK suggests something impressed on or inherently characteristic of a thing often in contrast to general outward appearance. a mark of a good upbringing TOKEN applies to something that serves as a proof of something intangible. this gift is a token of our esteem NOTE suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic. a note of irony in her writing SYMPTOM suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition. rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay
Examples of token in a Sentence
Noun
please accept this parting gift as a token of our lasting affection
Adjective
All the people who work there are men except for a couple of token women.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
Now crypto-whispers offer advice on the next nonfungible token or doggy coin.
— Andy Kessler, WSJ, 12 Dec. 2021
One of the most popular gifts is the NYC token watch.
— Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2021
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'token.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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First Known Use of token
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Adjective
1915, in the meaning defined at sense 2
History and Etymology for token
Noun
Middle English, from Old English tācen, tācn sign, token; akin to Old High German zeihhan sign, Greek deiknynai to show — more at DICTION
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Time Traveler for token
The first known use of token was before the 12th century
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Dictionary Entries Near token
Tokelau Islands
token
token book
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Phrases Related to token
book token
Statistics for token
Last Updated
15 Dec 2021
Look-up Popularity
Top 1% of words
Cite this Entry
“Token.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/token. Accessed 19 Dec. 2021.
Style: MLA
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What made you look up this word?(22)
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DianaWheeler
2 January, 2012
writting a paper on Token used as a symbol or sign. Based upon KJ Bbible Joshua 2:12: Now Then, swear unto me by the Lord that, since I am showing Kindness to you, you in turn will show kindness to my family; and give me an unmistakble toke...See more
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14
Christine Tan-Eng
13 October, 2021
From The Call of the Wild - Jack London:
“Thus, as token of what a puppet thing life is, the ancient song surged through him and he came into his own again…”
“It was a token that he was harking back through his own life to the lives of his...See more
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1
Audrey Bailey
2 November, 2021
Definition of a “token” musical performer
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More Definitions for token
token noun
English Language Learners Definition of token (Entry 1 of 2)
: a round piece of metal or plastic that is used instead of money in some machines : an object that looks like a coin and is used in place of a coin
: something that is a symbol of a feeling, event, etc.
: GIFT CERTIFICATE
token adjective
English Language Learners Definition of token (Entry 2 of 2)
—used to describe something that is done with very little effort and only to give the appearance that an effort is being made
: included in a group only to prevent criticism that people of a particular kind are being unfairly left out
See the full definition for token in the English Language Learners Dictionary
token noun
to·ken | \ ˈtō-kən \
Kids Definition of token
1 : an outer sign : PROOF
"… you ought to take this for a plain and visible token that you are not to be a seafaring man."
— Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe
2 : a piece like a coin that has a special use
a bus token
3 : an object used to suggest something that cannot be pictured
This ring is a token of my affection.
4 : SOUVENIR
5 : INDICATION sense 2
More from Merriam-Webster on token
Nglish: Translation of token for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of token for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about token
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