flag1
n.
- an oblong piece of cloth that is raised on a pole and used as an emblem, especially of nationality.
▸a ship's ensign.
- a device or symbol resembling a flag, used as a marker.
- a small paper badge given to people who donate to a charity appeal.
v.
(flags, flagging, flagged)
- mark for attention; draw attention to.
- direct or alert by waving a flag or using hand signals.
▸
(flag someone down)
signal to a driver to stop.
- decorate with a flag or flags.
Phrase
Derivative
Etymology
C16: perh. from obs. flag ‘drooping’, of unknown ultimate origin.
flag2
n.
a flat rectangular or square stone slab, used for paving.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: prob. of Scand. origin and rel. to Icelandic flag ‘spot from which a sod has been cut’ and ON flaga ‘slab of stone’.
flag3
n.
a waterside plant with long sword-shaped leaves.
[
Iris pseudacorus (
yellow flag) and other species.]
Etymology
ME: of unknown ultimate origin.
flag4
v.
(flags, flagging, flagged)
become tired or less enthusiastic.
Etymology
C16: rel. to obs. flag ‘hanging down’.