Ensign: meaning, definitions and examples

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ensign

[ ˈɛnsən ]

^{Context #1}

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}

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

Word origin

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.