half-mast

1 of 2

noun

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-mast

2 of 2

verb

half-masted; half-masting; half-masts

transitive verb

: to cause to hang at half-mast

half-mast a flag

Examples of half-mast in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

While the Royal Standard is never lowered to half-mast—the reason being that there is always a sovereign on the throne—the Union Jack can be lowered to half-staff, which is exactly what happened to honor Diana. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 28 July 2026

On Monday, July 13, the Gandesa City Council decreed two days of official mourning, during which the flags of the municipal buildings will fly at half-mast. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026

Verb

However, the palace still maintained a few traditions — including lowering some flags to half-mast across the country during the period of mourning. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026

Though her own enthusiasm is half-mast at best. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1800, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1785, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for half-mast

• aghast
• amassed
• biassed
• broadcast
• bypassed
• downcast
• forecast
• foremast
• harassed
• holdfast
• mainmast
• newscast

Kids Definition

half-mast

noun

ˈhaf-ˈmast, 

ˈhȧf-

: a point about halfway down below the top of a mast or staff

flags hanging at half-mast