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.
In honor of Franklin’s service and sacrifice, Sikeston Mayor Greg Turnbow ordered all flags within the city to be flown at half-staff until the conclusion of Franklin’s funeral. Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025 Where are flags half-staff in Wisconsin? Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 4 Oct. 2025 American and state flags will be at half-staff across six states over Friday or the weekend by order of their respective governors. James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 How to lower flag to half-staff To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 30 Sep. 2025 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 26 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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