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.
What To Know According to the governor's office, the order applies to all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds with flags remaining at half-staff from sunrise to sunset. Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025 According to the Texas government code, Texas flags should be flown at half-staff for the same time on Memorial Day, Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15) and for the death of a person. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2025 Trump also directed that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff in Francis’ honor. Darlene Superville, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025 The president also ordered all flags in the U.S. to be lowered to half-staff until the day of the funeral. Meredith Kile, People.com, 26 Apr. 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 7 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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