flags: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1neutral
Quick answer
What does “flags” mean?
a piece of cloth, usually rectangular and attached to a pole, used as a symbol, signal, or decoration of a country, organization, or event.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a piece of cloth, usually rectangular and attached to a pole, used as a symbol, signal, or decoration of a country, organization, or event
acts as a verb meaning to mark something for attention, especially something problematic, or to become tired or lose strength
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in noun usage. In computing/tech contexts, 'flagging' (verb) is equally common. The phrasal verb 'flag up' (to highlight) is slightly more British.
Connotations
Both varieties strongly associate 'flags' with national identity, sports events, and maritime signals. The verb 'to flag' (decline) has the same connotation of weakening.
Frequency
Noun form is equally frequent. Verb form ('flag something as suspicious') is slightly more frequent in American English in tech/business contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “flags” in a Sentence
[verb] flags (object)flags [verb] (subject)[adjective] flagsflags of [country/org]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flags” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The moderator will flag inappropriate comments.
- His enthusiasm began to flag after hours of work.
American English
- The software flags potential security issues.
- The team's performance flagged in the second half.
adjective
British English
- The flag officer inspected the fleet.
- Flag carriers must meet strict requirements.
American English
- The flag desk handles international enquiries.
- Flag manufacturers supply many organizations.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in compliance/risk contexts: 'The system flags suspicious transactions.'
Academic
In history/political science: 'National flags emerged as symbols of state sovereignty.'
Everyday
Describing decorations: 'They put up flags for the street party.'
Technical
Computing: 'The program flags syntax errors automatically.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flags”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flags”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flags”
- Using 'flags' as singular (correct: 'a flag')
- Confusing 'flag' (verb) with 'mark' (more general)
- Misspelling as 'flagg' in verb forms
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while commonly associated with countries, flags can represent organizations, events, or serve as signals (e.g., maritime flags, racing flags).
Yes, it has two main verb meanings: 1) to mark something for attention, 2) to become weak or tired.
Flags are typically attached to poles and represent countries/organizations. Banners are often hung horizontally and carry messages or decorations.
It's pronounced /z/ following the voiced /ɡ/ sound, not /s/. The vowel is the short /æ/ as in 'cat'.
a piece of cloth, usually rectangular and attached to a pole, used as a symbol, signal, or decoration of a country, organization, or event.
Flags is usually neutral in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “red flag”
- “white flag”
- “fly the flag”
- “flag of convenience”
- “show the flag”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FLAGS: Fabric Lifted And Given Significance.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTENTION IS A FLAG (to flag something = to make it noticeable); DECLINE IS A DROOPING FLAG (energy flags = sags like a limp flag)
Practice
Quiz
What does 'red flag' typically mean in business contexts?