red star: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Historical, Political, Astronomical
Quick answer
What does “red star” mean?
A star symbol that is coloured red, most famously associated with socialism and communism, often as a military or state emblem.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A star symbol that is coloured red, most famously associated with socialism and communism, often as a military or state emblem.
Any prominent star with a reddish hue in astronomy; a symbol used to denote quality, importance, or radical left-wing politics in various contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant linguistic differences. Cultural/political associations are largely identical due to 20th-century geopolitics.
Connotations
Strongly evokes the Soviet Union, communism, and Cold War imagery for both. In the UK, may have slightly stronger association with trade union banners and left-wing political groups like the Labour Party's far-left factions.
Frequency
Higher frequency in historical and political discourse. Slightly more frequent in US discourse regarding Cold War history and anti-communist rhetoric.
Grammar
How to Use “red star” in a Sentence
The [noun/entity] adopted the red star.A red star was emblazoned on the [object].The [flag/emblem] featured a prominent red star.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “red star” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The partisans sought to red-star the government building as a sign of defiance.
- They planned to red-star the propaganda posters.
American English
- The protesters vowed to red-star the corporation's headquarters in their campaign.
- The mural was red-starred during the night.
adjective
British English
- He wore a red-star badge on his lapel.
- The red-star symbolism was unmistakable in the parade.
American English
- She found an old red-star pin in her grandfather's belongings.
- The document had a red-star watermark.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in branding or historical analysis of markets in communist states.
Academic
Common in political science, history, and cultural studies papers discussing communist iconography.
Everyday
Low. Used when discussing history, politics, or spotting Mars (the 'Red Planet', sometimes called a 'red star') in the sky.
Technical
In astronomy, refers to stellar classification (e.g., red giant, red dwarf). In vexillology, a specific type of symbol.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “red star”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “red star”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “red star”
- Using 'red star' to describe any red-coloured star sticker or decoration without recognizing its heavy political connotations.
- Capitalizing it as a proper noun (Red Star) only when referring to specific entities (e.g., Red Star Belgrade football club).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but its primary and most common association is political (communism/socialism). In astronomy, it neutrally describes a type of star. The context always determines the meaning.
You can, but be aware that it will likely evoke political connotations for many listeners. A brand might use it precisely for that edgy, rebellious association.
Both are symbols of communism. The 'hammer and sickle' specifically represents the unity of workers and peasants. The 'red star' is a broader symbol of the state, military, and communist ideology as a guiding light.
As a general symbol, no. However, specific uses like the name of a football club (Red Star Belgrade) or a brand (Red Star Pizza) are trademarked entities.
A star symbol that is coloured red, most famously associated with socialism and communism, often as a military or state emblem.
Red star is usually formal, historical, political, astronomical in register.
Red star: in British English it is pronounced /ˌred ˈstɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɛd ˈstɑr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Red star over [place]”
- “Under the red star”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the RED colour of the Soviet flag and a STAR guiding the way to a communist future. Red + Star = Soviet emblem.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE STATE/IDEOLOGY IS A GUIDING LIGHT (the star) OF THE PEOPLE (the red colour representing workers' blood or revolution).
Practice
Quiz
In which field would the term 'red star' most likely be used in a purely technical, non-political sense?