: any of various monocotyledonous plants with long ensiform leaves: such as
a
: iris
especially
: a wild iris
b
often attributive
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 (such 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
threw a penalty flag
see alsored flag, white flag
b
: one of the cross strokes of a musical note less than a quarter note in value
4
: something represented by a flag: such as
a
: flagship
b
: an admiral functioning in the office of command
c
: nationality
especially
: the nationality of registration of a ship or aircraft
flagged; flagging
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
flagged; flagging
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
: a hard evenly stratified stone that splits into flat pieces suitable for paving
also
: a piece of such stone
Cite this Entry
“Flag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flag. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.
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