noun
Uncommon
ensign
EHN-sihn
Ensign (noun) means a flag, especially one flown by a ship to show its nationality. Example: “The ship flew the national ensign from its stern.”
noun
1
A flag, especially one flown by a ship to show its nationality.
"The ship flew the national ensign from its stern."
2
A badge or symbol of rank or office.
"The crown is an ensign of royal authority."
3
The lowest-ranking commissioned officer in the US Navy.
"He was commissioned as an ensign straight out of the naval academy."
How to use ensign
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA flag showing nationality (especially on ships), or the rank badge/junior naval officer that shares the name.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- ensigns
- Third person singular
- ensigns
- Past tense
- ensigned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The ship flew the national _____ from its stern.
Etymology
From Old French enseigne, from Latin insignia, meaning a mark or distinguishing sign. A doublet of "insignia."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “ensign” mean?
The word “ensign” means a flag, especially one flown by a ship to show its nationality. In plain terms, a flag showing nationality (especially on ships), or the rank badge/junior naval officer that shares the name.
How do you pronounce “ensign”?
“Ensign” is pronounced EHN-sihn (/ˈɛn.sɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “ensign” in a sentence?
Here is “ensign” used in a sentence: “The ship flew the national ensign from its stern.”
What is another word for “ensign”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ensign” include badge, coronet and second lieutenant.
What part of speech is “ensign”?
“Ensign” is a noun.
Where does the word “ensign” come from?
The word “ensign” comes from Latin. From Old French enseigne, from Latin insignia, meaning a mark or distinguishing sign. A doublet of "insignia.".
Is “ensign” a common word?
“Ensign” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ensign” have?
“Ensign” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a flag, especially one flown by a ship to show its nationality.
