Insignia vs. Badge — What's the Difference?

An insignia (from Latin insignia, plural of insigne 'emblem, symbol, ensign') is a sign or mark distinguishing a group, grade, rank, or function. It can be a symbol of personal power or that of an official group or governing body.

A badge is a device or accessory, often containing the insignia of an organization, which is presented or displayed to indicate some feat of service, a special accomplishment, a symbol of authority granted by taking an oath (e.g., police and fire), a sign of legitimate employment or student status, or as a simple means of identification. They are also used in advertising, publicity, and for branding purposes.

A distinguishing badge or emblem of military rank, office, or membership of an organization

A device or emblem worn as an insignia of rank, office, or membership in an organization.

A badge of office, rank, membership, or nationality; an emblem.

An emblem given as an award or honor.

A distinguishing sign.

A characteristic mark or indicative trait

A patch or other object that indicates a person's official or military rank, or membership in a group or organization.

A distinctive mark, token, sign, emblem or cognizance, worn on one's clothing, as an insignia of some rank, or of the membership of an organization.

A symbol or token of personal power, status, or office, or of an official body of government or jurisdiction.

A small nameplate, identifying the wearer, and often giving additional information.

(figurative) A mark or token by which anything is known.

A card, sometimes with a barcode or magnetic strip, granting access to a certain area.

Inflection of insignium

Something characteristic; a mark; a token.

Inflection of insigne

A brand on the hand of a thief, etc.

Distinguishing marks of authority, office, or honor; badges; tokens; decorations; as, the insignia of royalty or of an order.

(nautical) A carved ornament on the stern of a vessel, containing a window or the representation of one.

Typical and characteristic marks or signs, by which anything is known or distinguished; as, the insignia of a trade.

(heraldry) A distinctive mark worn by servants, retainers, and followers of royalty or nobility, who, being beneath the rank of gentlemen, have no right to armorial bearings.

A badge worn to show official position

(GUI) A small overlay on an icon that shows additional information about that item, such as the number of new alerts or messages.

An icon or emblem awarded to a user for some achievement.

(slang) A police officer.

(transitive) To mark or distinguish with a badge.

(transitive) To show a badge to.

(ambitransitive) To enter a restricted area by showing one's badge.

A distinctive mark, token, sign, or cognizance, worn on the person; as, the badge of a society; the badge of a policeman.

Something characteristic; a mark; a token.

A carved ornament on the stern of a vessel, containing a window or the representation of one.

To mark or distinguish with a badge.

An emblem (a small piece of plastic or cloth or metal) that signifies your status (rank or membership or affiliation etc.);

Any feature that is regarded as a sign of status (a particular power or quality or rank);

Put a badge on;