First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1flag
noun \ˈflag also ˈflāg\
Definition of FLAG
: any of various monocotyledonous plants with long ensiform leaves: as a : iris; especially : a wild iris b : sweet flag
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Origin of FLAG
Middle English flagge reed, rush
2flag
noun, often attributive
Definition of FLAG
1
: a usually rectangular piece of fabric of distinctive design that is used as a symbol (as of a nation), as a signaling device, or as a decoration
2
a : the tail of some dogs (as a setter or hound); also : the long hair fringing a dog's tail b : the tail of a deer
3
a : something used like a flag to signal or attract attention b : one of the cross strokes of a musical note less than a quarter note in value
4
: something represented by a flag: as a : flagship b : an admiral functioning in his office of command c : nationality; especially : the nationality of registration of a ship or aircraft
Origin of FLAG
probably akin to fag end of cloth — more at fag end
First Known Use: 1530
3flag
verb
flaggedflag·ging
Definition of FLAG
transitive verb
1
: to signal with or as if with a flag; especially : to signal to stop <flagged the train> —often used with down
2
: to mark or identify with or as if with a flag <flagged potential problems in the proposal>
3
: to call a penalty on : penalize <a lineman flagged for being offside>
First Known Use of FLAG
1856
4flag
verb
flaggedflag·ging
Definition of FLAG
intransitive verb
1
: to hang loose without stiffness
2
a : to become unsteady, feeble, or spiritless b : to decline in interest, attraction, or value <flagging stock prices>
Origin of FLAG
probably from 2flag
First Known Use: 1545
5flag
noun
Definition of FLAG
: a hard evenly stratified stone that splits into flat pieces suitable for paving; also : a piece of such stone
Origin of FLAG
Middle English flagge turf, perhaps from Old Norse flaga slab; akin to Old English flōh chip
First Known Use: 1604
6flag
verb
flaggedflag·ging
FLAG Defined for Kids
1flag
noun \ˈflag\
Definition of FLAG for Kids
: a piece of cloth with a special design or color that is used as a symbol (as of a nation) or as a signal
2flag
verb
flaggedflag·ging
Definition of FLAG for Kids
: to signal to stop <flag a taxi>
3flag
verb
flaggedflag·ging
Definition of FLAG for Kids
: to become weak <He tried to use the flagging power of his memory … — Lois Lowry, The Giver>
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