stars and stripes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, journalistic, patriotic rhetoric
Quick answer
What does “stars and stripes” mean?
The national flag of the United States of America, featuring alternating red and white stripes and a blue canton with white stars representing the states.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The national flag of the United States of America, featuring alternating red and white stripes and a blue canton with white stars representing the states.
A metonym for the United States government, its military, or its national identity and values; often used to evoke patriotism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the term is used descriptively and in news reports about the US. In American English, it carries strong patriotic and emotional connotations.
Connotations
UK: Neutral descriptor of a foreign symbol. US: Evokes deep national pride, sacrifice, and history.
Frequency
Virtually exclusive to American contexts. Rare in general British discourse outside of specific US-related reporting.
Grammar
How to Use “stars and stripes” in a Sentence
[verb] the Stars and Stripes (fly, salute, honour)under the Stars and Stripesthe [adjective] Stars and Stripes (proud, enduring, iconic)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stars and stripes” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The embassy will fly the Stars and Stripes at half-mast.
- Protesters attempted to burn the Stars and Stripes.
American English
- We proudly fly the Stars and Stripes every day.
- Veterans saluted the Stars and Stripes as it passed.
adjective
British English
- He wore a stars-and-stripes themed tie for the Fourth of July party.
- The shop sold stars-and-stripes bunting.
American English
- The parade was a sea of Stars-and-Stripes banners.
- She had a Stars-and-Stripes pin on her lapel.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in names of companies or products evoking Americana (e.g., 'Stars and Stripes Financial').
Academic
Used in historical, political science, or cultural studies contexts discussing US symbolism.
Everyday
Used on national holidays (Independence Day, Memorial Day) or in patriotic discourse.
Technical
Used in vexillology (the study of flags) to describe the specific design and its evolution.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stars and stripes”
- Using lowercase ('stars and stripes') when referring specifically to the US flag (should be capitalised).
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a stars and stripes' is incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'Union Jack' (UK flag).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring specifically to the flag of the United States, it is a proper noun and should be capitalised: 'the Stars and Stripes'. Lowercase is used for generic patterns (e.g., 'a stars and stripes pattern').
Both refer to the US flag. 'Stars and Stripes' is the common name describing its appearance. 'The Star-Spangled Banner' is a more poetic name, famously from the national anthem, and is often used in formal or ceremonial contexts.
Yes, but this is a figurative, metonymic use common in journalism and political speech (e.g., 'a policy championed by the Stars and Stripes'). It is less common in everyday conversation.
There are 50 stars, representing the 50 states, and 13 stripes, representing the original 13 colonies.
The national flag of the United States of America, featuring alternating red and white stripes and a blue canton with white stars representing the states.
Stars and stripes is usually formal, journalistic, patriotic rhetoric in register.
Stars and stripes: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstɑːz ən ˈstraɪps/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstɑːrz ən ˈstraɪps/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A star-spangled [something]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the STARS on the blue square and the STRIPES of red and white. The name describes exactly what you see.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE NATION IS ITS FLAG (e.g., 'The Stars and Stripes stands for freedom').
Practice
Quiz
What does 'Stars and Stripes' primarily refer to?