ensign

noun

en·​sign ˈen(t)-sən 

also

ˈen-ˌsīn 

for senses 1, 2, & 3a

1

: a flag that is flown (as by a ship) as the symbol of nationality and that may also be flown with a distinctive badge added to its design

2

a

: a badge of office, rank, or power

b

: emblem, sign

3

a

: an infantry officer of what was formerly the lowest commissioned rank

b

: a commissioned officer in the navy or coast guard ranking above a chief warrant officer and below a lieutenant junior grade

Synonyms of ensign

• emblem
• symbol
• logo

Examples of ensign in a Sentence

that ensign of tutorial authority, the hickory stick

fittingly, the organization promoting the welfare of marine life features a dolphin on its ensign

Recent Examples on the Web

In April 1942, Ford joined the U.S. Naval Reserve, receiving a commission as an ensign. —Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025

The ensign, who had neglected to check the tides before entering the harbor, immediately reported his failure to his superiors, who fired him and hauled him before a court-martial. —Davis Winkie, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025

Four years later, he was commissioned as an ensign and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. —Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 9 Aug. 2025

Worse still, scans show portions of Gamble’s brain have died, which sends the ensign into a panic. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ensigne, sign, token, banner, from Anglo-French enseigne, from Latin insignia insignia, flags

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ensign

• hensen
• angiotensin
• neurotensin

Kids Definition

ensign

noun

en·​sign ˈen(t)-sən 

in senses 1 & 2 also

ˈen-ˌsīn 

1

: a flag flown as the symbol of nationality (as on a ship)

2

: a badge of office, rank, or power

3

: a naval commissioned officer of the lowest rank