Label vs. Mark — What's the Difference?

To assign a category or describe something.

To make an impression or outline on a surface.

A piece of paper, metal, or other material that is attached to something and gives information about it.

A visible impression or symbol made on a surface.

A word or phrase used to describe the characteristics or qualities of people or things.

A characteristic or trait that distinguishes someone or something.

A company that produces music, films, or other products.

A grade or score given in a test or examination.

A graphic or electronic tag that identifies product details.

A sign or symbol used to represent something.

A label (as distinct from signage) is a piece of paper, plastic film, cloth, metal, or other material affixed to a container or product, on which is written or printed information or symbols about the product or item. Information printed directly on a container or article can also be considered labelling.

A small area on a surface having a different colour from its surroundings, typically one caused by damage or dirt

An item used to identify something or someone, as a small piece of paper or cloth attached to an article to designate its origin, owner, contents, use, or destination.

A line, figure, or symbol made as an indication or record of something

A descriptive term; an epithet.

A point awarded for a correct answer or for proficiency in an examination or competition

A distinctive name or trademark identifying a product or manufacturer, especially a recording company.

(followed by a numeral) a particular model or type of a vehicle or machine

(Architecture) A molding over a door or window; a dripstone.

A target

(Heraldry) A figure in a field consisting of a narrow horizontal bar with several pendants.

The act of cleanly catching the ball direct from a kick, knock-on, or forward throw by an opponent, on or behind one's own 22-metre line, and exclaiming ‘Mark’, after which a free kick can be taken by the catcher.

(Chemistry) See tracer.

(until the introduction of the euro in 2002) the basic monetary unit of Germany, equal to 100 pfennig; a Deutschmark

To attach a label to

A former English and Scottish money of account, equal to thirteen shillings and four pence in the currency of the day

To identify or designate with a descriptive term; describe or classify

The basic monetary unit of Bosnia and Herzegovina, equal to 100 fening.

(Chemistry) To add a tracer to (a compound).

Make a visible impression or stain on

A small ticket or sign giving information about something to which it is attached or intended to be attached.

Write a word or symbol on (an object) in order to give information

A name given to something or someone to categorise them as part of a particular social group.

Indicate the position of

(music) A company that sells records.

(of a teacher or examiner) assess the standard of (written work) by assigning points for proficiency or correct answers

(computing) A user-defined alias for a numerical designation, the reverse of an enumeration.

Notice or pay careful attention to

(computing) A named place in source code that can be jumped to using a GOTO or equivalent construct.

(of a player in a team game) stay close to (an opponent) in order to prevent them getting or passing the ball

(heraldry) A charge resembling the strap crossing the horse’s chest from which pendants are hung.

See Table at Bible.

(obsolete) A tassel.

A visible trace or impression, such as a line or spot

A small strip, especially of paper or parchment (or of some material attached to parchment to carry the seal), but also of iron, brass, land, etc.

A name, logo, or other indicator used to indicate ownership, origin, or level of quality.

A piece of writing added to something, such as a codicil appended to a will.

A notch made in an animal's ear or hide to indicate ownership.

(historical) A brass rule with sights, formerly used with a circumferentor to take altitudes.

A sign, such as a cross, made in lieu of a signature.

(architecture) The projecting moulding by the sides, and over the tops, of openings in mediaeval architecture.

A written or printed symbol used for punctuation; a punctuation mark.

In mediaeval and later art, a representation of a band or scroll containing an inscription.

A number, letter, or symbol used to indicate various grades of academic achievement

(graphical user interface) A non-interactive control or widget displaying text, often used to describe the purpose of another control.

Often marks An appraisal; a rating

(transitive) To put a label (a ticket or sign) on (something).

A knot or piece of material placed at various measured lengths on a sounding line to indicate the depth of the water.

(ditransitive) To give a label to (someone or something) in order to categorise that person or thing.

A Plimsoll mark.

(biochemistry) To replace specific atoms by their isotope in order to track the presence or movement of this isotope through a reaction, metabolic pathway or cell.

A distinctive trait or property

(biochemistry) To add a detectable substance, either transiently or permanently, to a biological substance in order to track the presence of the label-substance combination either in situ or in vitro

A recognized standard of quality

A tassel.

A lasting effect

A slip of silk, paper, parchment, etc., affixed to anything, and indicating, usually by an inscription, the contents, ownership, destination, etc.; as, the label of a bottle or a package.

A specific model, type, or iteration, as of a product or machine, especially when part of a series. Usually used with a number

A slip of ribbon, parchment, etc., attached to a document to hold the appended seal; also, the seal.

Importance; prominence

A writing annexed by way of addition, as a codicil added to a will.

Notice; attention

A barrulet, or, rarely, a bendlet, with pendants, or points, usually three, especially used as a mark of cadency to distinguish an eldest or only son while his father is still living.

A target

A brass rule with sights, formerly used, in connection with a circumferentor, to take altitudes.

Something that one wishes to achieve; a goal.

The name now generally given to the projecting molding by the sides, and over the tops, of openings in mediæval architecture. It always has a square form, as in the illustration.

An object or point that serves as a guide.

In mediæval art, the representation of a band or scroll containing an inscription.

(Slang) A person who is the intended victim of a swindler; a dupe.

To affix a label to; to mark with a name, etc.; as, to label a bottle or a package.

(Sports) The place from which racers begin and sometimes end their contest.

To affix in or on a label.

A point reached or gained

A brief description given for purposes of identification;

A record

Trade name of a company that produces musical recordings;

A strike or spare in bowling.

A radioactive isotope that is used in a compound in order to trace the mechanism of a chemical reaction

A stationary ball in lawn bowling; a jack.

An identifying or descriptive marker that is attached to an object

A boundary between countries.

Assign a label to; designate with a label;

A tract of land in medieval England and Germany held in common by a community.

Attach a tag or label to;

(Computers) A character or feature in a file, record, or data stream used to locate a specific point or condition.

Pronounce judgment on;

In Arthurian legend, a king of Cornwall who was the husband of Iseult and the uncle of her lover Tristan.

Distinguish (as a compound or molecule) by introducing a labeled atom

An English and Scottish unit of currency that was equal to 13 shillings and 4 pence.

Distinguish (an element or atom) by using a radioactive isotope or an isotope of unusual mass for tracing through chemical reactions

Any of several European units of weight that were equal to about 8 ounces (227 grams), used especially for weighing gold and silver.

A deutsche mark.

A markka.

To make a visible trace or impression on, as with a spot, line, or dent

To form, make, or depict by making a mark

To supply with natural markings

To single out or indicate by or as if by a mark

To distinguish or characterize

To make conspicuous

To set off or separate by or as if by a line or boundary

To attach or affix identification, such as a price tag or maker's label, to.

To evaluate (academic work) according to a scale of letters or numbers; grade.

To give attention to; notice

To take note of in writing; write down

Sports & Games To record (the score) in various games.

(Sports) To guard (an opponent), as in soccer.

To make a visible impression

To receive a visible impression

Sports & Games To keep score.

To determine academic grades

(heading) Boundary, land within a boundary.

(obsolete) A boundary; a border or frontier.

(obsolete) A boundary-post or fence.

A stone or post used to indicate position and guide travellers.

(archaic) A type of small region or principality.

(historical) A common, or area of common land, especially among early Germanic peoples.

(heading) Characteristic, sign, visible impression.

An omen; a symptomatic indicator of something.

A characteristic feature.

A visible impression or sign; a blemish, scratch, or stain, whether accidental or intentional.

A sign or brand on a person.

A written character or sign.

A stamp or other indication of provenance, quality etc.

(obsolete) Resemblance, likeness, image.

A particular design or make of an item now usually with following numeral.

A score for finding the correct answer, or other academic achievement; the sum of such points gained as out of a possible total.

(heading) Indicator of position, objective etc.

A target for shooting at with a projectile.

An indication or sign used for reference or measurement.

The target or intended victim of a swindle, fixed game or con game.

(obsolete) The female genitals.

(Rugby football, Australian rules football) A catch of the ball directly from a kick of 10 metres or more without having been touched in transit, resulting in a free kick.

(sports) The line indicating an athlete's starting-point.

A score for a sporting achievement.

An official note that is added to a record kept about someone's behavior or performance.

(cooking) A specified level on a scale denoting gas-powered oven temperatures.

(product design/engineering) The model number of a device; a device model.

Limit or standard of action or fact.

Badge or sign of honour, rank, or official station.

(archaic) Preeminence; high position.

(logic) A characteristic or essential attribute; a differential.

(nautical) One of the bits of leather or coloured bunting placed upon a sounding line at intervals of from two to five fathoms. (The unmarked fathoms are called "deeps".)

(heading) Attention.

(archaic) Attention, notice.

Importance, noteworthiness. Generally in postmodifier “of mark”.

(obsolete) Regard; respect.

A measure of weight (especially for gold and silver), once used throughout Europe, equivalent to 8 oz.

An English and Scottish unit of currency (originally valued at one mark weight of silver), equivalent to 13 shillings and fourpence.

Any of various European monetary units, especially the base unit of currency of (West) Germany between 1948 and 2002, equal to 100 pfennigs.

A coin worth one mark.

To put a mark on (something); to make (something) recognizable by a mark; to label or write on (something).

(figurative) To have a long-lasting negative impact on (someone or something).

To create an indication of (a location).

To be an indication of (something); to show where (something) is located.

To indicate (something) in writing or by other symbols.

To create (a mark) on a surface.

To celebrate or acknowledge (an event) through an action of some kind.

(of things) To identify (someone as a particular type of person or as having a particular role).

(of people) To assign (someone) to a particular category or class.

(of people) To choose or intend (someone) for a particular end or purpose.

To be a point in time or space at which something takes place; to accompany or be accompanied by (an event, action, etc.); to coincide with.

To be typical or characteristic of (something).

To distinguish (one person or thing from another).

To focus one's attention on (something or someone); to pay attention to, to take note of.

(dated) To become aware of (something) through the physical senses.

To hold (someone) in one's line of sight.

To indicate the correctness of and give a score to (a school assignment, exam answers, etc.).

To record that (someone) has a particular status.

To keep account of; to enumerate and register; to keep score.

(sports) To follow a player not in possession of the ball when defending, to prevent them receiving a pass easily.

(Australian rules football) To catch the ball directly from a kick of 15 metres or more without having been touched in transit, resulting in a free kick.

(golf) To put a marker in the place of one's ball.

(singing) To sing softly, sometimes an octave lower than usual, in order to protect one's voice during a rehearsal.

Alternative form of march.

A license of reprisals. See Marque.

An old weight and coin. See Marc.

The unit of monetary account of the German Empire, equal to 23.8 cents of United States money (1913); the equivalent of one hundred pfennigs. Also, a silver coin of this value. The unit was retained by subsequent German states up to the time of the Federal Republic of Germany. In 1995, the value was approximately 65 cents American. In 1999 it began to be superseded by the Euro as a unit of currency in Germany and throughout much of the European union.

A visible sign or impression made or left upon anything; esp., a line, point, stamp, figure, or the like, drawn or impressed, so as to attract the attention and convey some information or intimation; a token; a trace.

A character or device put on an article of merchandise by the maker to show by whom it was made; a trade-mark.

A fixed object serving for guidance, as of a ship, a traveler, a surveyor, etc.; as, a seamark, a landmark.

A trace, dot, line, imprint, or discoloration, although not regarded as a token or sign; a scratch, scar, stain, etc.; as, this pencil makes a fine mark.

An evidence of presence, agency, or influence; a significative token; a symptom; a trace; specifically, a permanent impression of one's activity or character.

That toward which a missile is directed; a thing aimed at; what one seeks to hit or reach.

Attention, regard, or respect.

Limit or standard of action or fact; as, to be within the mark; to come up to the mark.

Badge or sign of honor, rank, or official station.

Preëminence; high position; as, patricians of mark; a fellow of no mark.

A characteristic or essential attribute; a differential.

A number or other character used in registering; as, examination marks; a mark for tardiness.

Image; likeness; hence, those formed in one's image; children; descendants.

One of the bits of leather or colored bunting which are placed upon a sounding line at intervals of from two to five fathoms. The unmarked fathoms are called "deeps."

To put a mark upon; to affix a significant mark to; to make recognizable by a mark; as, to mark a box or bale of merchandise; to mark clothing.

To be a mark upon; to designate; to indicate; - used literally and figuratively; as, this monument marks the spot where Wolfe died; his courage and energy marked him for a leader.

To leave a trace, scratch, scar, or other mark, upon, or any evidence of action; as, a pencil marks paper; his hobnails marked the floor.

To keep account of; to enumerate and register; as, to mark the points in a game of billiards or cards.

To notice or observe; to give attention to; to take note of; to remark; to heed; to regard; as, mark my words.

To take particular notice; to observe critically; to note; to remark.

A number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance);

A distinguishing symbol;

A reference point to shoot at;

A visible indication made on a surface;

The impression created by doing something unusual or extraordinary that people notice and remember;

A symbol of disgrace or infamy;

Formerly the basic unit of money in Germany

Apostle and companion of Saint Peter; assumed to be the author of the second Gospel

A person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of

A written or printed symbol (as for punctuation);

A perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened);

The shortest of the four Gospels in the New Testament

An indication of damage

Marking consisting of crossing lines

Something that exactly succeeds in achieving its goal;

Attach a tag or label to;

Designate as if by a mark;

Be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense;

Make or leave a mark on;

To accuse or condemn or openly or formally or brand as disgraceful;

Notice or perceive;

Mark with a scar;

Make small marks into the surface of;

Establish as the highest level or best performance;

Make underscoring marks

Remove from a list;

Put a check mark on or next to;

Assign a grade or rank to, according to one's evaluation;

Insert punctuation marks into

A label provides specific information and is usually affixed to an item, whereas a mark is a broader symbol for identification or quality that can be more abstract.

Yes, marks like trademarks and copyrights have legal implications regarding the ownership and unauthorized use of marked items.

Yes, labels can function as marks when they are used to signify ownership or origin, such as a designer label on clothing.

Labels provide essential information to consumers about products, including ingredients, manufacturer, and usage instructions, aiding in informed purchasing decisions.

Labels can be made from paper, plastic, metal, or fabric, depending on the durability needed and the nature of the product.

No, marks can also be abstract or digital, such as watermarks on photographs or digital signatures.

Marks such as hallmarks on silver and trademarks on goods help authenticate products and indicate their quality and origin.

Organizations use labels for detailed information and compliance with regulations, while marks are used for branding and quality assurance.

Labels on products like chemicals and machinery provide safety information and instructions that are crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring safe usage.

Marks that indicate quality, brand, or historical significance can significantly increase an object's value.