Cambridge Dictionaries online Cambridge Dictionaries online

The most popular online dictionary and thesaurus for learners of English

  

token

adjective [before noun]
 
 
/ˈtəʊ.kən/ US  /ˈtoʊ-/

Definition

used to describe actions that are done to show that you are doing something, even if the results are limited in their effect: The troops in front of us either surrendered or offered only token (= not much) resistance. They were the only country to argue for even token recognition of the Baltic states' independence.Typifying, illustrating and exemplifyingMeaning and significance disapproving describes something that is done to prevent other people complaining, although it is not sincerely meant and has no real effect: The truth is that they appoint no more than a token number of women to managerial jobs.Typifying, illustrating and exemplifyingMeaning and significance
(Definition of token adjective from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

Word of the Day

be under a cloud

to not be trusted or popular because people think you have done something bad

Word of the Day

Blog

Read our blog about how the English language behaves.

Learn More

New Words

Find words and meanings that have just started to be used in English, and let us know what you think of them.

Learn More