half-staff

noun

ˈhaf-ˈstaf 

ˈhäf-

: half-mast

Examples of half-staff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The flag will be flown at half-staff at Parliament for three days as the country mourns. — Alexandra Bacallao, NBC news, 19 Aug. 2026

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

Traditionally, flags are flown at half-staff on the day of a senator’s death and the day following. — Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

Once selected, state flags will be ordered to fly at half-staff on Nicholas's memorial date to honor his bravery and sacrifice. — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for half-staff

• behalf
• carafe
• distaff
• falstaff
• giraffe
• autograph
• biograph
• cenotaph
• chronograph
• epigraph
• epitaph
• hodograph