white flag

noun

1
: a flag of plain white used as a flag of truce or as a token of surrender
2
: a token of weakness or yielding

Examples of white flag 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.
Chelsea Treinen, the owner of Sweetwater Boutique, came up with the idea to plant yellow, blue and white flags around the area as a show of strength. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2025 But that Instagram post might as well be a white flag. Ben Smith, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025 Garrison Matthews didn’t come in until both teams waved the white flag, but shot the lights out from deep, hitting three of four 3s. James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 Has only 93 rushing yards and a single touchdown for an offense that waved the white flag last week in Minneapolis. Kevin Cusick, Twin Cities, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for white flag

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of white flag was in 1578

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Cite this Entry

“White flag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20flag. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

white flag

noun
: a flag of plain white used as a flag of truce or as a sign of surrender

More from Merriam-Webster on white flag

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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