noun
Uncommon
flagship
FLAG-shihp
Flagship (noun) means the ship that carries a fleet commander and flies their flag. Example: “The admiral toured the harbor aboard the flagship.”
noun
1
The ship that carries a fleet commander and flies their flag.
"The admiral toured the harbor aboard the flagship."
"Sailors lined up on deck as the flagship entered the port."
"The fleet followed the flagship out of the bay at dawn."
2
The most important or best-known item in a group, especially a company's top product or a lead branch of an organization.
"The new phone is the flagship of their whole lineup."
"The London branch is the bank's flagship location."
"The shop's flagship store has three floors and sells every item they make."
How to use flagship
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe lead ship of a fleet, or by extension the best/main version of anything a company or group makes.
Common pairings
flagship product
flagship store
flagship model
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Word forms
- Plural
- flagships
- Third person singular
- flagships
- Past tense
- flagshipped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The admiral toured the harbor aboard the _____.
Etymology
From flag + ship — literally the ship that flies the commander's flag.
Synonyms
View more →
lead product
top-of-the-line model
standard-bearer
Frequently asked questions
What does “flagship” mean?
The word “flagship” means the ship that carries a fleet commander and flies their flag. In plain terms, the lead ship of a fleet, or by extension the best/main version of anything a company or group makes.
How do you pronounce “flagship”?
“Flagship” is pronounced FLAG-shihp (/ˈflæɡʃɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “flagship” in a sentence?
Here is “flagship” used in a sentence: “The admiral toured the harbor aboard the flagship.”
What part of speech is “flagship”?
“Flagship” is a noun.
Is “flagship” a common word?
“Flagship” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “flagship” have?
“Flagship” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the ship that carries a fleet commander and flies their flag.
What is the difference between the literal and figurative meaning of flagship?
The literal meaning of flagship refers to the ship that carries a fleet commander and flies their flag, historically marking it as the lead vessel. The figurative meaning, much more common today, refers to the most important or best-known item in a group, such as a company's top product or its lead store or branch.
What does it mean to call a product a company's flagship?
Calling a product a company's flagship means it is the most important, prestigious, or best-known item in that company's lineup, often showcasing the brand's top technology or quality. For example, a smartphone maker's flagship model is usually its most advanced and expensive device.
Can flagship describe something other than a product?
Yes, flagship can also describe a lead branch, store, or program within an organization, meaning it is the most prominent or representative example, such as a company's flagship store in a major city.
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