ˈhaf-ˈmast 
ˈhäf-
: a point some distance but not necessarily halfway down below the top of a mast or staff or the peak of a gaff
half-masted; half-masting; half-masts
: to cause to hang at half-mast
half-mast a flag
Examples of half-mast in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Dec. 2025
Someone in the group offered a solution of continuing to practice holiday traditions, but to leave a bite of food untouched on the plate as a symbol of empathy—the culinary equivalent of flying a flag half-mast.
—Lea Donenberg, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2025
CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
The Spanish flag was flown at half-mast in front of Parliament in Madrid for the victims on Monday.
—Dallas Morning News, 19 Jan. 2026
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Noun
Flags across the country will fly at half-mast on Sunday on a national day of reflection.
—Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Dec. 2025
Someone in the group offered a solution of continuing to practice holiday traditions, but to leave a bite of food untouched on the plate as a symbol of empathy—the culinary equivalent of flying a flag half-mast.
—Lea Donenberg, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2025
Verb
Flags flew at half-mast on public buildings, television anchors wore black, and cabinet ministers curtailed public appearances as Spain observed the first of three days of national mourning.
—CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
The Spanish flag was flown at half-mast in front of Parliament in Madrid for the victims on Monday.
—Dallas Morning News, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for half-mast
Cite this Entry
“Half-mast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half-mast. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
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