flag

1 of 6

noun (1)

ˈflag How to pronounce flag (audio)
 also  ˈflāg
Synonyms of flagnext
: any of various monocotyledonous plants with long ensiform leaves: such as
a
: iris
especially : a wild iris
b
: sweet flag

flag

2 of 6

noun (2)

often attributive
1
: a usually rectangular piece of fabric of distinctive design that is used as a symbol (as of a nation), as a signaling device, or as a decoration
2
a
: the tail of some dogs (such as a setter or hound)
also : the long hair fringing a dog's tail
b
: the tail of a deer
3
a
: something used like a flag to signal or attract attention
b
: one of the cross strokes of a musical note less than a quarter note in value
4
: something represented by a flag: such as
a
: flagship
b
: an admiral functioning in his office of command
c
: nationality
especially : the nationality of registration of a ship or aircraft

flag

3 of 6

verb (1)

flagged; flagging

transitive verb

1
: to signal with or as if with a flag
especially : to signal to stop
flagged the train
—often used with down
2
: to mark or identify with or as if with a flag
flagged potential problems in the proposal
3
: to call a penalty on : penalize
a lineman flagged for being offside

flag

4 of 6

verb (2)

flagged; flagging

intransitive verb

1
: to hang loose without stiffness
2
a
: to become unsteady, feeble, or spiritless
b
: to decline in interest, attraction, or value
flagging stock prices

flag

5 of 6

noun (3)

: a hard evenly stratified stone that splits into flat pieces suitable for paving
also : a piece of such stone

flag

6 of 6

verb (3)

flagged; flagging

transitive verb

: to lay (something, such as a pavement) with flags (see flag entry 5)

Synonyms

Noun (2)

Verb (1)

Verb (2)

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of flag in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The claim: Image shows 'rape is resistance' flyer distributed at Columbia protest An April 22 Instagram post (direct link, archive link) shows a person holding a flyer that includes text set against the Palestinian flag. —Andre Byik, USA TODAY, 27 Apr. 2024 At one point, protesters also dropped a Palestinian flag out of one of the Washington Hilton’s windows. —Carly Thomas, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flag 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flag.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English flagge reed, rush

Noun (2)

probably akin to fag end of cloth — more at fag end

Verb (2)

probably from flag entry 2

Noun (3)

Middle English flagge turf, perhaps from Old Norse flaga slab; akin to Old English flōh chip

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (3)

1604, in the meaning defined above

Verb (3)

1615, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flag was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing flag

Dictionary Entries Near flag

flaff

flag

flag alarm

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Flag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flag. Accessed 3 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

flag

1 of 6 noun
ˈflag How to pronounce flag (audio)
: any of various irises
especially : a wild iris

flag

2 of 6 noun
1
: a piece of cloth with a special design that is used as a symbol (as of a nation) or for signaling
2
: something used like a flag to signal or attract attention

flag

3 of 6 verb
flagged; flagging
: to signal with or as if with a flag
especially : to signal to stop
flag a taxi

flag

4 of 6 verb
flagged; flagging
1
: to be limp : droop
2
: to become weak
his hope flagged

flag

5 of 6 noun
1
: a hard stone that easily splits into flat pieces
2
: a piece of flag used for paving

flag

6 of 6 verb
flagged; flagging
: to pave (as a walk) with flags
Etymology

Noun

Middle English flagge "reed"

Noun

probably akin to fag "end of cloth"

Verb

probably from 2flag

Noun

Middle English flagge "a piece of turf, a flat paving stone"

More from Merriam-Webster on flag

Nglish: Translation of flag for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of flag for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flag

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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