ensign

Meaning

Noun

1. A badge of office, rank, or power.
2. The lowest grade of commissioned officer in the United States Navy, junior to a lieutenant junior grade.
3. A flag or banner carried by military units; a standard or color/colour.
4. The principal flag or banner flown by a ship (usually at the stern) to indicate nationality.
5. Any prominent flag or banner.
6. (historical) A junior commissioned officer in the 18th and 19th centuries whose duty was to carry the unit's ensign.

Verb

1. (obsolete) To designate as by an ensign.
2. To distinguish by a mark or ornament.
3. To distinguish by an ornament, especially by a crown.

Synonyms

banner

flag

standard

second lieutenant

colours

emblem

colors

sublieutenant

symbol

mark

national flag

sign

pennant

marker

marking

military rank

pennon

sentinel

standard bearer

standard-bearer

streamer

sub-lieutenant

battle flag

buntings

officer cadet

petty naval officer

characteristics identification

2nd lieutenant

attribute

banderole

blip

cockade

color

colour

coronet

designate

gonfalon

insignia

jack

labeling

Translations

Fahne

bandera

vaandel

bandiera

vlag

drapeau

σημαία

Flagge

pavillon

Fähnrich

enseigne

alfiere

guardiamarina

insegna

standaard

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈɛn.sɪn/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: ensigne

In summary

From Middle English ensigne, from Old French enseigne, from Latin īnsignia, nominative plural of īnsigne, meaning marked, distinguished. Doublet of insignia.