flag

1 of 6

noun (1)

ˈflag How to pronounce flag (audio)
 also  ˈflāg
: any of various monocotyledonous plants with long ensiform leaves: such as
a
: iris
especially : a wild iris

flag

2 of 6

noun (2)

often attributive
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
b
: an admiral functioning in his office of command
c
: nationality
especially : the nationality of registration of a ship or aircraft

flag

3 of 6

verb (1)

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

flag

4 of 6

verb (2)

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

flag

5 of 6

noun (3)

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

flag

6 of 6

verb (3)

flagged; flagging

transitive verb

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

Examples of flag in a Sentence

Noun (2) the flags of both countries were prominently displayed at the treaty signing road crews using handheld stop signs as flags at both ends of the highway construction zone Verb (1) flagged the cars into the other parking lot Verb (2) flowers flagging in the summer heat we flagged as we neared the end of the long mountain trail
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Can a homeowner association prevent a resident from hanging an American flag upside down? The Arizona Republic, 27 Nov. 2024 This house is easy to assemble and features a working door and windows, as well as a flag holder. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
Miami was also flagged nine times for 90 yards including five on defense for 50 yards. Manny Navarro, The Athletic, 1 Dec. 2024 Williams was flagged 15 yards for taunting, and the penalty proved costly as kicker Jake Bates missed the 45-year-field goal that would have put the Lions up 26-13 at the time. Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flag 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near flag

Cite this Entry

“Flag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flag. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

flag

1 of 6 noun
: any of various irises
especially : a wild iris

flag

2 of 6 noun
1
: a piece of cloth with a special design that is used as a symbol (as of a nation) or for signaling
2
: something used like a flag to signal or attract attention

flag

3 of 6 verb
flagged; flagging
: to signal with or as if with a flag
especially : to signal to stop
flag a taxi

flag

4 of 6 verb
flagged; flagging
1
: to be limp : droop
2
: to become weak
his hope flagged

flag

5 of 6 noun
1
: a hard stone that easily splits into flat pieces
2
: a piece of flag used for paving

flag

6 of 6 verb
flagged; flagging
: to pave (as a walk) with flags
Etymology

Noun

Middle English flagge "reed"

Noun

probably akin to fag "end of cloth"

Verb

probably from 2flag

Noun

Middle English flagge "a piece of turf, a flat paving stone"

More from Merriam-Webster on flag

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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