SINCE 1828
half-mast
noun
\ ˈhaf-ˈmast
, ˈhäf-\
, ˈhäf-\
Definition of half-mast
(Entry 1 of 2)
: a point some distance but not necessarily halfway down below the top of a mast or staff or the peak of a gaff
half-mast
verb
half-masted;
half-masting;
half-masts
Definition of half-mast (Entry 2 of 2)
: to cause to hang at half-mast
half-mast a flag
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for half-mast
half-mast
noun
English Language Learners Definition of half-mast
: the position in the middle of a mast or pole
See the full definition for half-mast in the English Language Learners Dictionary
Comments on half-mast
What made you want to look up half-mast? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Original Meanings Quiz
-
- Which of the following is the earliest known sense of the word awe?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Original Meanings Quiz
A quiz for the pedantic and those annoyed by them!
Take the quiz -
A Green Quiz
How many questions can you answer about the word "green"?
Take the quiz -
True or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
Take the quiz -
Add Diction
Build a chain of words by adding one letter at a time.
Play the game
Share half-mast
Resources for half-mast