pennant

noun

pen·​nant ˈpe-nənt 

1

a

: any of various nautical flags tapering usually to a point or swallowtail and used for identification or signaling

b

: a flag or banner longer in the fly than in the hoist

especially : one that tapers to a point

2

: a flag emblematic of championship (as in a professional baseball league)

also : the championship itself

Synonyms of pennant

• flag
• banner

Examples of pennant in a Sentence

pennants waving atop the tower

The Red Sox won the American League pennant in 2004.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Yankees should see a mediocre American League as an opportunity for a second pennant in three years; Aaron Judge’s uncertain injury status applies more pressure to do something at the deadline to chase down the Rays in the AL East. — Tim Britton, New York Times, 22 July 2026

If the red-hot Red Sox are still playing in October, their pennant run will be heard over satellite radio. — Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 21 July 2026

The Tigers could keep him for a possible pennant run, but Skubal is a pitcher, not a miracle worker, and his 44-52 team has to leapfrog six others to sneak into a wild-card spot. — Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Chicago Cubs Lose Pitcher After Just 2 Outings The move was just the latest change in what has been a whirlwind season for Wilson, who has bounced around between several National League pennant contenders. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

alteration of pendant

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for pennant

• tenant
• cotenant
• lieutenant
• subtenant

Kids Definition

pennant

noun

pen·​nant ˈpen-ənt 

1

: a flag with a usually tapering or forked tail that is used especially for signaling

2

: a flag that serves as the emblem of championship