Meaning of “token” in the English Dictionary

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"token" in English

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tokennoun [ C ]

uk ​ /ˈtəʊ.kən/ us ​ /ˈtoʊ.kən/

token noun [ C ] (SYMBOL)

C1 something that you do, or a thing that you give someone, that expresses your feelings or intentions, although it might have little practical effect:

As a token of our gratitude for all that you have done, we would like you to accept this small gift.
It doesn't have to be a big present - it's just a token.

Thesaurus: synonyms and related words

tokenadjective [ before noun ]

uk ​ /ˈtəʊ.kən/ us ​ /ˈtoʊ.kən/

› Token actions 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.

› disapproving used to refer to 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.

Thesaurus: synonyms and related words

(Definition of “token” from the Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

"token" in American English

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tokennoun [ C ]

us ​ /ˈtoʊ·kən/

token noun [ C ] (SYMBOL)

› something you give to someone or do for someone to express your feelings or intentions:

It isn’t a big present – it’s just a token of thanks for your help.

token noun [ C ] (DISK)

› a round, metal or plastic disk which is used instead of money in some machines:

subway tokens

tokenadjective [ not gradable ]

us ​ /ˈtoʊ·kən/

token adjective [ not gradable ] (SYMBOL)

› small or limited but having a symbolic importance:

a token fee
a token gesture of goodwill

(Definition of “token” from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

"token" in Business English

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tokennoun [ C ]

uk ​ /ˈtəʊkən/ us ​

› MONEY a round piece of metal or plastic that is used instead of money in some machines, for example, to get food or drink out of a vending machine, use a car park, etc:

You'll need some tokens for the coffee machine.

› MARKETING a piece of paper that is given when you buy a particular product, which can be exchanged for something when you have collected enough of them:

There is a promotion on the cereal box offering a free toy for every 10 tokens you collect.

› formal an action that you take or a thing that you give that is a symbol of your feelings about something, even though it may not be very big or valuable:

a token of sth Please accept this gift as a token of our gratitude.

See also

book token
gift token

tokenadjective [ before noun ]

uk ​ /ˈtəʊkən/ us ​

› disapproving done or existing only to show that you are following rules or doing what is expected, even though the results are limited:

The wording of the advertisement was merely a token gesture towards equal opportunities.
She was appointed as the token woman on the board

› used to describe a payment that is very small:

a token sum/payment
There is a token charge for membership of the staff club.

(Definition of “token” from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

Blogs about "token"

It’s the thought that counts. (The language of giving and receiving gifts)

by Kate Woodford,

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