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flag

noun (1)
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\ ˈflag How to pronounce flag (audio) also ˈflāg \

Definition of flag

 (Entry 1 of 6)

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

flag

noun (2), often attributive

Definition of flag (Entry 2 of 6)

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
2a : 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
3a : 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

flag

verb (1)
flagged; flagging

Definition of flag (Entry 3 of 6)

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

flag

verb (2)
flagged; flagging

Definition of flag (Entry 4 of 6)

intransitive verb

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

flag

noun (3)

Definition of flag (Entry 5 of 6)

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

flag

verb (3)
flagged; flagging

Definition of flag (Entry 6 of 6)

transitive verb

: to lay (something, such as a pavement) with flags (see flag entry 5)

Synonyms for flag

Synonyms: Noun (2)

Synonyms: Verb (1)

Synonyms: Verb (2)

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First Known Use of flag

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (3)

1604, in the meaning defined above

Verb (3)

1615, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for flag

Noun (1)

Middle English flagge reed, rush

Noun (2)

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

Verb (2)

probably from flag entry 2

Noun (3)

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

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Time Traveler for flag

Time Traveler

The first known use of flag was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Flag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flag. Accessed 24 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for flag

flag

noun
\ ˈflag How to pronounce flag (audio) \

Kids Definition of flag

 (Entry 1 of 3)

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

flag

verb
flagged; flagging

Kids Definition of flag (Entry 2 of 3)

: to signal to stop flag a taxi

flag

verb
flagged; flagging

Kids Definition of flag (Entry 3 of 3)

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on flag

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for 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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