An accolade is an award, honor, or expression of praise that recognizes someone's achievement or excellence. When a scientist receives an accolade for her groundbreaking research, or an athlete earns accolades for breaking records, they're being publicly honored for their accomplishments.

The word originally comes from a ceremony where a knight was tapped on the shoulders with a sword, marking his formal recognition. Today, accolades come in many forms: medals, trophies, certificates, public recognition, or even standing ovations. A writer might receive accolades from critics, a chef might earn accolades for a restaurant, or a student might receive accolades for perfect attendance.

What makes something an accolade rather than simple praise is its formal or public nature. Your parent telling you “good job” is nice, but receiving an accolade means being honored in an official way that others witness and recognize. When someone accumulates many accolades over their career, it shows a pattern of sustained excellence and achievement that others have noticed and celebrated.