Flag: meaning, definitions and examples

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flag

 

[ flaษก ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

nationality

A piece of cloth or similar material, typically oblong or square, attachable by one edge to a pole or rope and used as the symbol or emblem of a country or institution.

Synonyms

banner, ensign, standard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flag

Use when referring to a piece of fabric, usually rectangular, with distinctive colors and designs, used as a symbol of a country, organization, or signal.

  • The Olympic flag features five interlocking rings.
  • They raised the national flag on the flagpole.
banner

Use for a long strip of cloth or paper, often with words or symbols, displayed as a sign or decoration, especially during events or protests.

  • The protestors marched with a large banner that read 'Save Our Planet'.
  • A banner advertising the concert was hung over the street.
ensign

Typically used in a military or naval context to refer to a flag that indicates nationality or affiliation of ships.

  • The ship sailed proudly with its ensign flying high.
  • During the ceremony, the ensign was lowered to half-mast.
standard

Often used when referring to a flag or emblem, traditionally carried on a pole, representing royalty, leaders, or military units, more formal and historical in use.

  • The king's standard was carried at the head of the procession.
  • Each regiment had its own unique standard.

Examples of usage

  • The flag of the United States has fifty stars and thirteen stripes.
  • During the Olympics, athletes proudly wave their national flags.
  • The flag was raised at half-mast as a sign of mourning.
Context #2 | Verb

signal

Mark (an item) for attention or treatment in a specified way.

Synonyms

highlight, indicate, point out.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flag

When you want to mark something for future attention or indicate a potential problem. Commonly used in technical or problem-solving contexts.

  • We need to flag this transaction for review.
  • He flagged the bug in the system for the developers to fix.
highlight

When you want to draw attention to important information or emphasize key points. Often used in presentations, reports, and discussions.

  • I would like to highlight the main points of my presentation.
  • The report highlights the importance of sustainable practices.
indicate

When you want to show, point out, or provide a sign or signal about something. It can be used in both everyday conversations and formal contexts.

  • The sign indicates the path to the nearest exit.
  • The study indicates a strong correlation between these variables.
point out

When you want to draw someone's attention to something specific, often as a correction or important observation. Frequently used in informal conversations or discussions.

  • I need to point out that there is a mistake in your calculations.
  • She pointed out the similarities between the two paintings.

Examples of usage

  • Please flag any issues you encounter during the project.
  • The team leader flagged the important points for further discussion.

Translations

Translations of the word "flag" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น bandeira

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคเค‚เคกเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Flagge

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bendera

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั€ะฐะฟะพั€

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ flaga

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ—— (ใฏใŸ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท drapeau

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ bandera

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท bayrak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊นƒ๋ฐœ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุนู„ู…

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vlajka

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vlajka

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ——ๅธœ (qรญzhรฌ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zastava

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fรกni

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒ แƒแƒจแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bayraq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ bandera

Etymology

The word 'flag' originated from the Old Norse word 'flaga', meaning cloth, slab, or streamer. Flags have been used for thousands of years as a way to identify groups, countries, or institutions. The use of flags in warfare dates back to ancient times, where they were used to signal troops or confuse enemies. Over time, flags have become powerful symbols of identity and pride.

See also: flageolet, flagon, flags, flagstone, unflagging.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,027, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.