Goldstar

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A badge or symbol of excellence awarded to someone for outstanding achievement or noteworthy accomplishment
2. A term used to signify high-quality performance or exceptional merit in various contexts
3. An informal recognition or commendation given to acknowledge superior effort or results in a particular task

Etymology: Schoolchildren have long been handed gold stars for good work, but the compound itself is plain English: "gold" plus "star," with no classical roots or borrowed parts. The "star" in the word is the sense of a star-shaped mark or badge, a usage that goes back to the Middle English period, when stars were used to mark things on documents and in ledgers. A "gold" version of that mark came to signify distinction, and the use of gold-coloured stars as rewards in classrooms and on military and civic honours grew from that association. What is clear is that the word is a transparent noun-compound, and its meaning rests on the visual idea of a gold star standing for achievement.

Synonyms: badge, honor, award

Antonyms: penalty, punishment