trophy

1 of 2

noun

tro·​phy ˈtrō-fē 

plural trophies

1

: something gained or given in victory or conquest especially when preserved or mounted as a memorial

2

a

: a memorial of an ancient Greek or Roman victory raised on the field of battle or on the nearest land for a naval victory

b

: a representation of such a memorial (as on a medal)

also : an architectural ornament representing a group of military weapons

3

: a game animal or fish suitable for mounting as a trophy

—usually used attributively

4

: one that is prized for qualities that enhance prestige or social status

—usually used attributively

a trophy wife

a trophy house

trophy transitive verb

-trophy

2 of 2

noun combining form

: nutrition : nurture : growth

dystrophy

Synonyms

Noun

• boast
• credit
• crown jewel
• glory
• honor
• jewel
• pride
• treasure

Examples of trophy in a Sentence

Noun

the mogul's latest trophies include a winter mansion in the Bahamas and a new sports car

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The team the Colts defeated for the title, Granada Hills, was expected to raise the trophy given that only one of its players had graduated from the season before. —Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2024

Endrick, who has made five international appearances for Brazil’s senior team, became the youngest player to make his debut and score for Palmeiras, as well as the only player in club history to have picked up trophies at every age level. —Aimee Lewis, CNN, 9 June 2024

General Hospital won top awards of the night, taking home outstanding daytime drama series, plus, the show's directing and writing teams both scored trophies as well. —Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 8 June 2024

The team ran out to the field to celebrate, raising the trophy above their heads, just like their moms did a couple of decades ago. —Stephanie Gallman Jordan, Southern Living, 7 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle French trophee, from Medieval Latin tropheum, from Latin tropaeum, trophaeum, from Greek tropaion, from neuter of tropaios of a turning, of a rout, from tropē turn, rout, from trepein to turn

Noun combining form

New Latin -trophia, from Greek, from -trophos nourishing, from trephein

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing trophy

• trophy wife

Kids Definition

trophy

noun

tro·​phy ˈtrō-fē 

plural trophies

1

: something taken from the enemy in victory or conquest especially when kept and displayed as proof of one's bravery or victory

took the enemy's flags as trophies

2

: something given in recognition of a victory or as an award for achievement

a golf trophy

trophied

-fēd

adjective