flag
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for flag, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A piece of cloth with a distinctive design, used as a symbol of a country, organization, or signal.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use flag
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Origin uncertain; may be related to Germanic words for "something flat," describing the flag's shape, or to old words for fluttering.
Full origin of flag →Frequently asked questions
What does “flag” mean?
The word “flag” means a piece of cloth with a distinctive design, used as a symbol of a country, organization, or signal. In plain terms, a banner symbol, or (as a verb) to mark something for attention, wave someone down, or grow weary.
How do you pronounce “flag”?
“Flag” is pronounced flag (/flæɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “flag” in a sentence?
Here is “flag” used in a sentence: “They raised the flag at sunrise.”
What is another word for “flag”?
Words with a similar meaning to “flag” include option and dart.
What part of speech is “flag”?
Depending on how it is used, “flag” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “flag” come from?
The word “flag” comes from Germanic. Origin uncertain; may be related to Germanic words for "something flat," describing the flag's shape, or to old words for fluttering.
Is “flag” a common word?
“Flag” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “flag” have?
“Flag” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a piece of cloth with a distinctive design, used as a symbol of a country, organization, or signal.
What is the difference between a flag and a banner?
A flag is a piece of cloth, usually with a fixed design, flown from a pole to represent a country, group, or signal. A banner is typically hung or carried and often bears a message, slogan, or logo. Every flag is a kind of banner, but banners are far broader and less standardized.
What are the different parts of a flag?
A flag has several named parts. The hoist is the half nearest the pole, and the fly is the outer half that flaps freely. The field is the background color, and the canton is the upper inner corner, like the star section on the United States flag.
What is the study of flags called?
The study of flags is called vexillology, from the Latin word for a military banner. People who design flags are vexillographers. The field covers flags' history, symbolism, colors, and design principles, and good flag design usually favors simple shapes, few colors, and meaningful symbols over complicated detail.
What are the main types of flags?
Flags fall into several broad groups. National flags represent countries, while state, regional, and city flags mark smaller areas. Organizations, military units, and companies fly their own flags. Signal flags send messages at sea, and flags like the checkered or white flag communicate a specific instant meaning.