old glory
C2Formal, literary, poetic, ceremonial; used in patriotic contexts, historical writing, journalism, and political rhetoric.
Definition
Meaning
The flag of the United States of America.
A personified name for the American flag, evoking a sense of history, tradition, and patriotic reverence. It can also be used metonymically to represent the United States, its government, or its military.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is a proper noun and is almost always capitalized. It carries strong connotations of heritage, national pride, and sometimes military sacrifice. It is not typically used for flags of other nations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is exclusively American. In British English, the term would not be used; one would say 'the American flag' or 'the Stars and Stripes.'
Connotations
In American English: deeply patriotic, historical, respectful. In British/international contexts: Recognized as a culturally specific American term.
Frequency
Common in American historical/political discourse, rare to non-existent in British English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] venerates Old Glory.Old Glory [verb] over [location].[Person] served under Old Glory.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Let Old Glory fly”
- “true to Old Glory”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Extremely rare; might appear in naming for patriotic-themed brands (e.g., Old Glory Insurance).
Academic
Used in historical texts, political science papers discussing American symbolism.
Everyday
Used on patriotic holidays (Independence Day, Memorial Day) and in formal, respectful contexts.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The regiment was honoured to have Old Glory leading their parade.
American English
- Veterans gathered to watch them Old Glory at dawn.
adjective
British English
- The Old Glory ceremony was deeply moving.
American English
- He wore an Old Glory lapel pin to the hearing.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We see Old Glory on the school.
- The soldiers saluted as Old Glory was raised.
- The poem describes Old Glory waving triumphantly after the battle.
- His rhetoric invoked the enduring symbol of Old Glory as a testament to the nation's resilience.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an OLD, respected soldier looking with GLORY at the flag.
Conceptual Metaphor
NATION IS A PERSON (Old Glory is the personified, revered symbol of that person).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as "Старая Слава". It is a fixed cultural term for the American flag. Use "флаг США" or "звёздно-полосатый флаг."
Common Mistakes
- Using it for other flags.
- Not capitalizing it ('old glory').
- Using it in informal contexts where 'the American flag' is more appropriate.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'Old Glory' most appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a poetic and popular nickname. The official names are 'the flag of the United States of America' or 'the Stars and Stripes'.
It is acceptable but sounds formal and very patriotic. In casual talk, 'the American flag' is more common.
It is attributed to Captain William Driver, a 19th-century American sea captain, who gave this name to his personal flag.
No, it is a respectful term. However, using it sarcastically or in a context of flag desecration would be considered highly offensive by many.