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Pennant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pennant

[หˆpษ›nษ™nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

sports

A pennant is a flag that symbolizes a sports team's championship or success in a league or tournament. It is typically triangular in shape and often features the team's logo or colors.

Synonyms

banner, flag, pennon.

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Word Description / Examples
pennant

A pennant is typically a long, narrow, and often triangular flag used for signaling or identification, especially in maritime contexts or sports events.

  • The yacht club hoisted the pennant to signal the beginning of the race.
  • The team won the league pennant this year.
flag

A flag is a piece of fabric, usually with a specific design, used as a symbol for nations, organizations, or signaling. It is more formal and widely recognized.

  • Every country has its own flag.
  • The flag was raised during the national anthem.
banner

A banner is a large piece of cloth with a slogan, advertisement, or slogan used for public display in events or protests.

  • The banner hanging from the building read 'Welcome Home!'.
  • Protesters carried a large banner with their demands.
pennon

A pennon is a small, narrow flag or streamers, often used in medieval times by knights, or on ships and airplanes for identification or decorative purposes.

  • The knight's lance was adorned with a colorful pennon.
  • The small boat had a pennon fluttering in the wind.

Examples of usage

  • The team proudly waved their pennant after winning the championship.
  • Fans held up their pennants in support of the team.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In baseball, a pennant often signifies the championship of a specific league, celebrated by teams and their fans.
  • The term 'pennant race' refers to the competition among teams to win the championship flag at the end of a season.
  • Many sports teams display their championship pennants in stadiums as a proud symbol of achievement.

Nautical Traditions

  • In maritime contexts, a pennant is used to denote sailing ranks or signal messages between ships.
  • Different colors and shapes of pennants provide information about a vesselโ€™s status or the nature of its voyage.
  • The 'prepennant' is a specific type flown on ships before the main flag is raised to denote readiness before departure.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, pennants are believed to ward off evil spirits when hung in homes during festivals.
  • During national celebrations, countries often raise pennants to symbolize unity and patriotism.
  • In some cultures, pennants are gradually replaced with personal flags or symbols during personal milestones like weddings.

Art and Literature

  • Pennants often feature in illustrations and storytelling as symbols of victory and celebration.
  • In the world of literature, pennants can represent belonging or allegiance to a cause, often depicted in heroic tales.
  • Artists use pennants in their work to depict movement, color, and the spirit of competition.

Origin of 'pennant'

Main points about word origin

  • Originating from the Middle English word 'penon', it referred to a flag or streamer's flying in the wind.
  • The term 'pennant' is derived from the Old French word 'penon', meaning a flag or banner.
  • Historically, the word has been used to describe flags used by military units or to mark territories.

The word 'pennant' originated from the Middle English word 'penon', which came from the Old French word 'penon', meaning 'small flag'. The use of pennants in sports dates back to the late 19th century when they were used to symbolize victory in competitions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,093, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.