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Ensign: meaning, definitions and examples

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ensign

 

[ ˈɛnsən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

naval

A commissioned officer of the lowest rank in the US Navy and Coast Guard, ranking above chief warrant officer and below lieutenant.

Synonyms

lieutenant, naval officer, officer

Examples of usage

  • He was promoted to ensign after completing his training.
  • The ensign saluted as the commanding officer walked by.
  • The ensign's responsibilities include supervising junior officers and ensuring the smooth operation of the ship.
Context #2 | Noun

military

A flag or banner, typically bearing the emblem of a country or unit, flown on a ship, aircraft, or military installation as a symbol of nationality.

Synonyms

banner, flag, standard

Examples of usage

  • The ensign was raised on the ship's mast.
  • The national ensign waved proudly in the wind.
  • The ship's ensign displayed the country's colors.

Translations

Translations of the word "ensign" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alferes

🇮🇳 ध्वजवाहक

🇩🇪 Fähnrich

🇮🇩 panji

🇺🇦 прапорщик

🇵🇱 chorąży

🇯🇵 少尉 (しょうい)

🇫🇷 enseigne

🇪🇸 alférez

🇹🇷 astteğmen

🇰🇷 소위 (so-wi)

🇸🇦 راية

🇨🇿 praporčík

🇸🇰 práporčík

🇨🇳 少尉 (shàowèi)

🇸🇮 praporščak

🇮🇸 fánaberi

🇰🇿 ту ұстаушы

🇬🇪 დროშის მტვირთველი

🇦🇿 bayraqdar

🇲🇽 alférez

Etymology

The word 'ensign' originated from the Old French 'enseigne', meaning 'mark, symbol, signal'. It entered the English language in the 14th century referring to a badge or emblem of office. Over time, 'ensign' evolved to denote a commissioned officer in the navy and later to a flag or banner representing a country or military unit.

See also: cosigner, sign, signage, signal, signatory, signature, signer, significant, signify, signing, signs.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,834, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.