1. [n]  a grant made by a law court; "he criticized the awarding of compensation by the court"
2. [n]  a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction; "an award for bravery"
3. [n]  something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition; "the prize was a free trip to Europe"
4. [v]  give, esp. as a reward; "bestow honors and prizes at graduation"
5. [v]  give on the basis of merit; "Funds are granted to qualified researchers"
6. [v]  bestow an honor upon

AWARD is a 5 letter word that starts with A.

1. \A*ward"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Awarded}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Awarding}.] [OF. eswarder to look at, consider, decide,
   judge; es (L. ex) + warder, garder, to observe, take heed,
   keep, fr. OHG. wart[=e]n to watch, guard. See {Ward}.]
   To give by sentence or judicial determination; to assign or
   apportion, after careful regard to the nature of the case; to
   adjudge; as, the arbitrators awarded damages to the
   complainant.
         To review The wrongful sentence, and award a new.
                                                  --Dryden.
   

2. \A*ward"\, v. i.
   To determine; to make an award.
   

3. \A*ward"\, n. [Cf. OF. award, awart, esgart. See {Award},
   v. t.]
   1. A judgment, sentence, or final decision. Specifically: The
      decision of arbitrators in a case submitted.``Impatient
      for the award.'' --Cowper.
            An award had been given against.      --Gilpin.
   2. The paper containing the decision of arbitrators; that
      which is warded. --Bouvier.