flags
|flag|
/flæɡz/
(flag)
symbolic cloth
Etymology
'flag' originates from Old Norse, specifically the word 'flaga', where 'flaga' meant 'a slab, slice, or piece' (applied to a piece of cloth or flat object).
'flag' changed from Old Norse 'flaga' into Middle English 'flagge' and eventually became the modern English word 'flag'.
Initially it meant 'a flat piece or slab' and then 'a piece of cloth used as a banner or signal'; over time it also developed verb senses such as 'to mark' and 'to droop or weaken'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a piece of fabric, often rectangular, used as a symbol, emblem, or signal (e.g., national flag, signal flag).
The flags at the stadium flew in the wind.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a marker or indicator placed to show position, danger, or a point of interest (often plural: flags marking spots).
Surveyors placed bright flags along the boundary.
Synonyms
Verb 1
third-person singular present of 'flag': to mark or identify for attention, follow-up, or special handling (e.g., flag an email).
She flags important emails so she can respond later.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/10/21 03:38