1
a
: an ornamental brooch
especially
: the badge of an honorary order
b
: a flat thin piece (as of metal) used for decoration
c
: a commemorative or identifying inscribed tablet
2
a
: a localized abnormal patch on a body part or surface
b
: a sticky usually colorless film on teeth that is formed by and harbors bacteria
c
: an atherosclerotic lesion
d
: a histopathologic lesion of brain tissue that is characteristic of Alzheimer's disease and consists of a dense proteinaceous core composed primarily of beta-amyloid that is often surrounded and infiltrated by a cluster of degenerating axons and dendrites
3
: a clear area in a bacterial culture produced by viral destruction of cells
Examples of plaque in a Sentence
A bronze plaque marked the city's oldest building.
They gave him a plaque in honor of his 30 years of service.
Brushing your teeth prevents the buildup of plaque.
The scientists are studying the way the plaques form.
Recent Examples on the Web
When activated, those cells begin clearing away existing amyloid plaques, a process that was associated with reduced plaque buildup and improved cognitive function, the study found.
—
Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 3 Feb. 2026
The New York Mets’ cap logo appears all over the Hall of Fame plaque gallery.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Gift a new set of grilling tools to the husband who loves to cook, add a massage gun to your home gym for the workout enthusiast, or indulge his love for music with a best-selling pair of headphones, or even a custom plaque with your wedding song.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
During the ceremony, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was presented with the Champion of Economic Empowerment and Social Justice plaque, recognizing his support of small businesses and immigrant communities.
—Eva Remijan-Toba, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for plaque
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 3 Feb. 2026
The New York Mets’ cap logo appears all over the Hall of Fame plaque gallery.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Gift a new set of grilling tools to the husband who loves to cook, add a massage gun to your home gym for the workout enthusiast, or indulge his love for music with a best-selling pair of headphones, or even a custom plaque with your wedding song.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
During the ceremony, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was presented with the Champion of Economic Empowerment and Social Justice plaque, recognizing his support of small businesses and immigrant communities.
—Eva Remijan-Toba, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for plaque
Cite this Entry
“Plaque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plaque. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
plaque
noun1
: an ornamental pin
especially
: an honorary badge
2
: a flat thin piece (as of metal) used for decoration or inscribed as a memorial or marker
3
: a sticky usually colorless film on teeth that is formed by and contains bacteria
Medical Definition
plaque
noun
variants
also placque
1
a
: a localized abnormal patch on a body part or surface and especially on the skin
psoriatic plaque
b
: a sticky usually colorless film on teeth that is formed by and harbors bacteria
c
: an atherosclerotic lesion
d
: a histopathologic lesion of brain tissue that is characteristic of Alzheimer's disease and consists of a dense proteinaceous core composed primarily of beta-amyloid that is often surrounded and infiltrated by a cluster of degenerating axons and dendrites
called also senile plaque
2
: a visibly distinct and especially a clear or opaque area in a bacterial culture produced by damage to or destruction of cells by a virus
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