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ensign — a flag or banner, especially a military or naval one

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a flag or banner, especially a military or naval one

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈensaɪn/

Example Sentences

  • The captain ordered the ensign to be lowered to half-mast
  • Ensign Park was so new that he saluted his own reflection in the mirror
  • Each country's Olympic team marched behind their national ensign

ensign

NOUN

[/ˈensaɪn/]

a flag or banner, especially a military or naval one

a uniformed naval officer carefully unfolds a large national flag with ceremonial precision. The officer raises the flag high above his head as it catches the ocean breeze. The flag begins to wave proudly as it's attached to the ship's flagpole. Other crew members stand at attention in respectful formation watching the ceremony. The captain salutes as the flag reaches the top of the mast.  a flag or banner being displayed in military tradition.
💡 Concept

a uniformed naval officer carefully unfolds a large national flag with ceremonial precision. The officer raises the flag high above his head as it catches the ocean breeze. The flag begins to wave proudly as it's attached to the ship's flagpole. Other crew members stand at attention in respectful formation watching the ceremony. The captain salutes as the flag reaches the top of the mast. a flag or banner being displayed in military tradition.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈensaɪn/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈensaɪn/

🌳Etymology

Rootensign

Origin

From 14th century Old French 'enseigne' meaning 'sign' or 'signal', originally referring to a military flag or banner. The meaning evolved from the flag itself to the person carrying it, and eventually to a low-ranking naval officer.

Breakdown

en- (prefix meaning 'in' or 'on') + sign (from Latin 'signum' meaning mark or token) + -e (French noun ending)

🎵Rhyme

design
assign
resign

🔗Collocations

national ensign
naval ensign
raise the ensign
ship's ensign
ensign bearer
military ensign

📝Examples

“The captain ordered the ensign to be lowered to half-mast”

😄 Fun example

“Ensign Park was so new that he saluted his own reflection in the mirror”

“Each country's Olympic team marched behind their national ensign”

😄 Fun example

“The pirate ship flew a black ensign with a skull and crossbones”

📚Related Words

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