A medal is a small, flat piece of metal, often shaped like a coin or disc, given to honor someone's achievement or bravery. Athletes who win Olympic competitions receive gold, silver, or bronze medals to recognize their excellence. Soldiers receive medals for courage in battle. Scientists, teachers, and citizens sometimes receive medals for outstanding contributions to their fields or communities.

Medals usually hang from colorful ribbons so they can be worn around the neck or pinned to clothing. They often feature engravings or designs that relate to the achievement: an Olympic medal might show the Olympic rings, while a military medal might display symbols of honor or service.

Getting a medal represents recognition and creates a lasting, physical reminder of hard work, dedication, and achievement. When someone medals in a competition (used as a verb), they've finished in one of the top positions. Years later, that medal still tells the story of what they accomplished.