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1

flag

noun \ ˈflag also ˈflāg \

Definition of flag

: any of various monocotyledonous plants with long ensiform leaves: such as
a : iris; especially : a wild iris
b : sweet flag

Origin and Etymology of flag

Middle English flagge reed, rush

2

flag

noun, often attributive

Definition of flag

1 : a usually rectangular piece of fabric of distinctive design that is used as a symbol (as of a nation), as a signaling device, or as a decoration
2 a : the tail of some dogs (such as a setter or hound); also : the long hair fringing a dog's tail
b : the tail of a deer
3 a : something used like a flag to signal or attract attention
b : one of the cross strokes of a musical note less than a quarter note in value
4 : something represented by a flag: such as
a : flagship
b : an admiral functioning in his office of command
c : nationality; especially : the nationality of registration of a ship or aircraft

Origin and Etymology of flag

probably akin to fag end of cloth — more at fag end

Other Heraldry Terms

blazon, cachet, couchant, dormant, escutcheon, potent, standard, totem

3

flag

verb

Definition of flag

flagged; flagging
transitive verb
1 : to signal with or as if with a flag; especially : to signal to stop
  • flagged the train
—often used with down
2 : to mark or identify with or as if with a flag
  • flagged potential problems in the proposal
3 : to call a penalty on : penalize
  • a lineman flagged for being offside

First Known Use of flag

1856

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year
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4

flag

verb

Definition of flag

flagged; flagging
intransitive verb
1 : to hang loose without stiffness
2 a : to become unsteady, feeble, or spiritless
b : to decline in interest, attraction, or value
  • flagging stock prices

Origin and Etymology of flag

probably from 2flag

5

flag

noun

Definition of flag

: a hard evenly stratified stone that splits into flat pieces suitable for paving; also : a piece of such stone

Origin and Etymology of flag

Middle English flagge turf, perhaps from Old Norse flaga slab; akin to Old English flōh chip

6

flag

verb

Definition of flag

flagged; flagging
transitive verb
: to lay (something, such as a pavement) with flags (see 5flag)

First Known Use of flag

1615

in the meaning defined above

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Phrases Related to FLAG

Related Phrases

FLAG Defined for Kids

1

flag

noun \ ˈflag \

Definition of flag for Students

: a piece of cloth with a special design or color that is used as a symbol (as of a nation) or as a signal
2

flag

verb

Definition of flag for Students

flagged; flagging
: to signal to stop flag a taxi
3

flag

verb

Definition of flag for Students

flagged; flagging
: to become weak
  • He tried to use the flagging power of his memory …
  • —Lois Lowry, The Giver

Learn More about flag

  1. See words that rhyme with flag Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for flag Spanish Central: Translation of flag Nglish: Translation of flag for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of flag for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flag

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