pennant

noun

pen·​nant ˈpe-nənt 

1

a

: any of various nautical flags tapering usually to a point or swallowtail and used for identification or signaling

b

: a flag or banner longer in the fly than in the hoist

especially : one that tapers to a point

2

: a flag emblematic of championship (as in a professional baseball league)

also : the championship itself

Synonyms

• banderole
• banderol
• banner
• colors
• ensign
• flag
• guidon
• jack
• pendant [chiefly British]
• pendent
• pennon
• standard
• streamer

Examples of pennant in a Sentence

pennants waving atop the tower

The Red Sox won the American League pennant in 2004.

Recent Examples on the Web

In a world where they’re constantly told that the pressures and responsibilities of being Yankees are somehow deeper and more profound than anybody else’s, the people in charge can’t turn around and sell them winning seasons instead of winning pennants and World Series. —Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 20 June 2025

Known for endless patience in hitting pre-game practice grounders to his infielders, Washington won two pennants as manager of the Texas Rangers. —Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

The 2018 Boston Red Sox and 2023 Texas Rangers clinched pennants there. —Jayson Stark, New York Times, 19 June 2025

America has honored the adoption of both stars and stripes in several ways since, from displaying the pennant outside of homes and federal buildings to incorporating it in patriotic parades or processions. —Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 15 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

alteration of pendant

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for pennant

• tenant
• cotenant
• lieutenant
• subtenant

Kids Definition

pennant

noun

pen·​nant ˈpen-ənt 

1

: a flag with a usually tapering or forked tail that is used especially for signaling

2

: a flag that serves as the emblem of championship