Flag
/flæɡ/
Definitions
4 meaningsA piece of cloth, typically rectangular or of a specific design, used as a symbol of a nation, organization, or other entity.
/flæɡ/
A piece of cloth, often rectangular, used as a symbol.
The American flag has stars and stripes.
💡 Simply: A flag is like a colorful piece of cloth that represents something, like a country or a team. Think of it as a sign you can see waving in the breeze!
👶 For kids: A flag is like a special cloth with colors and pictures that shows what a country or team is.
More Examples
The Olympic flag is flown at the Games.
He saluted the flag with pride.
How It's Used
"The national flag was raised during the ceremony."
"The ship's flag indicated its country of origin."
A signal or warning, often used to indicate something needs attention or action.
/flæɡ/
A signal or alert.
The system flagged the suspicious transaction.
💡 Simply: Sometimes 'flag' means a signal. Like a red flag that tells you there might be a problem. Like in a game, or on a computer.
👶 For kids: Sometimes a flag is like a warning sign. It tells you something is wrong, like in a game.
More Examples
The coach threw the flag when the player was tackled.
A red flag appeared on the screen, indicating an error.
How It's Used
"The referee threw a flag on the play for holding."
"A security flag alerted the administrator to a potential breach."
To signal or alert someone about something.
/flæɡ/
To signal or warn.
The driver flagged down a taxi.
💡 Simply: To 'flag' someone means to get their attention, maybe because you need help or there's a problem. Like waving your arms to get someone to stop their car.
👶 For kids: Flag means to wave your hand or a flag to get someone to notice something.
More Examples
She flagged the waiter to order more drinks.
The system will flag any unusual activity.
How It's Used
"The police officer flagged down the speeding car."
"The code was designed to flag errors for debugging."
To lose strength, energy, or enthusiasm; to decline or weaken.
/flæɡ/
To become weak or tired.
The conversation flagged as the night wore on.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, 'flag' means to get tired or lose energy. Like when you're playing a game and your energy starts to fade.
👶 For kids: Flag can also mean to get tired or slow down.
More Examples
The project's momentum flagged due to lack of funding.
His interest in the subject began to flag after a while.
How It's Used
"The team's energy flagged in the second half."
"Her spirits flagged after the bad news."
Idioms & expressions
flag someone down
To signal to someone to stop, typically a vehicle.
"I flagged down a taxi to get to the airport."
red flag
A warning signal or something that indicates a problem or danger.
"His constant lateness was a red flag for the manager."
From Middle English flagge, probably from a Scandinavian source (compare Old Norse *flagg* 'sail, banner').
The term flag, in its original sense referring to a cloth banner, appears in Middle English.
Memory tip
Imagine a cloth waving in the wind, representing a country or group.
Word Origin
"A cloth marker or signal."