noun / verb

flag

FLAG/flæɡ/

A visible emblem or marker used to signal something.

The Japanese flag billows gently, its red disc visible against white cloth.

A recognizable Japanese national flag made of cloth, gently billowing from a simple flagpole, with its red disc clearly visible against the white fabric.

Etymology

The origin is unknown, but the noun likely relates to a verb meaning “flap” or independently imitates that motion. Either possibility evokes the cloth fluttering in the wind.

In context

But this rainbow flag represents more freedoms and equality than any country, state, or local flag combined. It symbolizes our entire mission statement, sometimes called the gay agenda.

The Basics of LGBTQ

More examples

Fans wave their country's flag after the team wins.
The editor flagged two errors in the report.
She waves her arm to flag down a taxi.

Forms

flag · flags · flagged · flagging

Similar words

banner: Usually a long cloth displaying a message or group identity.
marker: Identifies a location or item without necessarily representing a group.
signal: Communicates information through sound, movement, or sight, not just emblems.