half-staff

noun

ˈhaf-ˈstaf How to pronounce half-staff (audio)
ˈhäf-

Examples of half-staff in a Sentence

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.
The president of the United States may also order flags to be flown at half-staff after the death of a notable public figure. Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 25 May 2026 The governor ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff at all Massachusetts state buildings in Kilduff's honor at the governor's request, according to CBS Boston. Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 24 May 2026 As flags across the state remained at half-staff, Kempthorne’s casket arrived to the Capitol in a cream-white hearse escorted by a motorcade made up of Idaho State Police and Boise police officers. Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman, 15 May 2026 When the royal tragically died in a car crash about two months later, The Carlyle flew its flags at half-staff. Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for half-staff

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of half-staff was in 1800

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Cite this Entry

“Half-staff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half-staff. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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