flagg: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1 (Intermediate)Neutral to formal, depending on context. Common in everyday, political, technical (computing), and sporting contexts.
Quick answer
What does “flagg” mean?
A piece of cloth, usually rectangular, attached to a pole or rope, used as a symbol of a country, organization, or for signaling.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A piece of cloth, usually rectangular, attached to a pole or rope, used as a symbol of a country, organization, or for signaling.
To decline in strength, energy, or enthusiasm; to mark something for special attention; to become tired or weaker; a plant with long sword-shaped leaves and brightly colored flowers (Iris genus); a small paper tab or indicator.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling differences in derived forms (flagged, flagging). The verb sense 'to flag (down) a taxi' is used in both. The plant 'flag iris' is common in UK gardening contexts.
Connotations
Largely identical. The national flag carries strong patriotic connotations in both cultures.
Frequency
Both nominal and verbal senses are high-frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “flagg” in a Sentence
flag something (as) (e.g., flag an email as spam)flag (down) someone/something (e.g., flag down a cab)flag (verb intransitive: e.g., His energy flagged.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flagg” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The referee flagged the offside immediately.
- We need to flag this invoice for the accounts team.
- My concentration began to flag after the third hour.
American English
- She flagged down a taxi on Broadway.
- The system flags suspicious transactions automatically.
- The team's performance flagged in the final quarter.
adjective
British English
- The flag iris bloomed by the pond.
- He served on a flag-of-convenience vessel.
American English
- They attended the flag ceremony at the stadium.
- It was a clear flag violation in football.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
To flag an issue or a problem for attention in a meeting or report.
Academic
Used in history/politics regarding national symbols; in computing regarding data states.
Everyday
Referring to a national flag, or feeling tired ('I'm flagging').
Technical
In computing: a boolean variable or bit that signals a condition (e.g., a status flag).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flagg”
- Using 'flag' as a verb for 'to put a flag' incorrectly (e.g., 'They flagged the building' vs. 'They put a flag on the building'). Confusing 'flagging' (declining) with 'flogging' (beating).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While the most common meaning is a national symbol, 'flag' can refer to any piece of cloth used as a symbol (e.g., a pirate flag), a signal, or a marker. It's also a verb meaning to mark or to decline.
A 'flag' is typically attached along one side to a pole or rope. A 'banner' is often hung horizontally between two points, like at a parade. A 'pennant' is a small, tapering flag, often used in sports or nautical contexts.
It depends on the meaning: 1) To mark: 'Flag the important emails.' 2) To signal to stop: 'Flag down a taxi.' 3) To decline: 'His interest flagged.' The structure changes with each meaning.
Yes, it's a common and natural informal expression meaning you are becoming tired or losing energy. e.g., 'It's 3 pm and I'm really flagging; I need a coffee.'
A piece of cloth, usually rectangular, attached to a pole or rope, used as a symbol of a country, organization, or for signaling.
Flagg is usually neutral to formal, depending on context. common in everyday, political, technical (computing), and sporting contexts. in register.
Flagg: in British English it is pronounced /flaɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /flæɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “show the white flag (surrender)”
- “fly the flag (represent your country)”
- “a red flag (a warning sign)”
- “flag-waving (excessive patriotism)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a FLAG that is made of FLApping Gauze. Or, when you're tired, you feel like a flag on a windless day – drooping and still.
Conceptual Metaphor
VIGOR IS A FLAG FLYING HIGH / DECLINE IS A FLAG LOWERED. ATTENTION IS A FLAG RAISED.
Practice
Quiz
In computing, what does it mean to 'flag' an email?