The noun award refers to a prize of some kind that indicates you’ve done well and achieved an honor. The verb form of award describes giving out one of these honors. So your teacher may award you the Math Genius award.

Award can be something given out by a court of law. For example, a judge might give you a monetary award when you win a lawsuit. Award can also be something you get when you're the big winner. The state lottery commission might award you $35 when you hit the lottery. Award comes from the Old English word weardian, meaning “guard” — which is exactly what you should do with that $35.

Definitions of award

v give, especially as an honor or reward

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present someone with a certificate
bestow, confer
confer a miter on (a bishop)
confer prosperity or happiness on
confer an academic degree upon
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allocate, apportion
distribute according to a plan or set apart for a special purpose

v give as judged due or on the basis of merit

“the referee awarded a free kick to the team”
“the jury awarded a million dollars to the plaintiff”
pension, pension off
grant a pension to
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cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

n something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery

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financial aid provided to a student on the basis of academic merit
door prize
tickets are passed out at the entrance to a dance or party or other social function and a prize is awarded to the holder of the winning ticket
any outstanding award
prize money
any money given as a prize
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something acquired without compensation

n a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction

“an award for bravery”
accolade, honor, honour, laurels
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prize, trophy
something given as a token of victory
academic degree, degree
crown, pennant
the award given to the champion
cachet, seal, seal of approval
an indication of approved or superior status
citation, commendation
honorable mention, mention
an official recognition of merit
letter, varsity letter
an award earned by participation in a school sport
decoration, laurel wreath, medal, medallion, palm, ribbon
an award for winning a championship or commemorating some other event
an award for success in war or hunting
Nobel prize
Academy Award, Oscar
Prix de Rome
Prix Goncourt
an award given annually for contributions to French literature
apple of discord
booby prize
a prize given to one who finishes last in a contest
bronze medal
cup, loving cup
gold medal
a trophy made of gold (or having the appearance of gold) that is usually awarded for winning first place in a competition
silver, silver medal
associate, associate degree
baccalaureate, bachelor's degree
an academic degree conferred on someone who has successfully completed undergraduate studies
honours, honours degree
a university degree with honors
master's degree
an academic degree higher than a bachelor's degree but lower than a doctor's degree
doctor's degree, doctorate
one of the highest earned academic degrees conferred by a university
law degree
degree conferred on someone who successfully completes law school
honorary degree, honoris causa
a degree conferred to honor the recipient
Congressional Medal of Honor, Medal of Honor
the highest U.S. military decoration awarded for bravery and valor in action `above and beyond the call of duty'
Distinguished Service Medal
a United States military decoration for meritorious service in wartime duty of great responsibility
Distinguished Service Cross
a United States Army decoration for extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy
Navy Cross
a United States Navy decoration for extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy
Distinguished Flying Cross
a United States Air Force decoration for heroism while participating in an aerial flight
Air Medal
Silver Star, Silver Star Medal
a United States military decoration for gallantry in action
Bronze Star, Bronze Star Medal
Order of the Purple Heart, Purple Heart
Oak Leaf Cluster
Victoria Cross
a British military decoration for gallantry
Distinguished Conduct Medal
a British military decoration for distinguished conduct in the field
Distinguished Service Order
a British military decoration for special service in action
Croix de Guerre
a French military decoration for gallantry
Medaille Militaire
a French military decoration
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n a grant made by a law court

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grant, subsidisation, subsidization
the act of providing a subsidy

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