emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
"The athlete proudly raised the team flag during the victory ceremony."
a listing printed in all issues of a newspaper or magazine (usually on the editorial page) that gives the name of the publication and the names of the editorial staff, etc.
"I was surprised to see my byline prominently displayed on the flag at the bottom of today's front editorial page."
plants with sword-shaped leaves and erect stalks bearing bright-colored flowers composed of three petals and three drooping sepals
"The botanist identified the wild orchids in the meadow as true flags based on their distinctive sword-like leaves and vibrant, three-petaled blossoms."
a rectangular piece of fabric used as a signalling device
"The sailor raised the red flag to signal that the ship had encountered heavy fog and needed assistance from nearby vessels."
a conspicuously marked or shaped tail
"The playful dog wagged his flag as he chased the ball across the grass."
A piece of cloth, often decorated with an emblem, used as a visual signal or symbol.
"The ornithologist carefully examined the worn flag on the red-tailed hawk's leg to estimate its age."
Any of various plants with sword-shaped leaves, especially irises; specifically, Iris pseudacorus.
A slice of turf; a sod.
A group of feathers on the lower part of the legs of certain hawks, owls, etc.
In plain English: A flag is a piece of cloth attached to a pole that people use to show support for a country, team, or organization.
"The red flag on the beach warned swimmers about dangerous currents."
Usage: In everyday usage, a flag is a piece of cloth bearing a design or emblem that is carried by a pole to represent a country, organization, or signal for attention. Do not use this word to describe feathers on a bird's legs, as that specific meaning belongs to the term "plumage" or more specifically "flight feathers."
communicate or signal with a flag
"The lifeguard waved her bright red flag to warn swimmers about the sudden drop in water depth."
become less intense
"After weeks of relentless rain, the storm began to flag as the clouds finally parted."
To furnish or deck out with flags.
"The old courtyard was flagged last summer to create a durable walking surface for the garden party."
To weaken, become feeble.
To pave with flagstones.
In plain English: To flag something means to signal for someone to stop or pay attention, like waving your hand to get a driver's notice.
"The old courtyard was recently flagged, giving it a charming, rustic feel."
Usage: To flag means to mark or indicate something by placing a flag on it, such as signaling a problem or directing attention. Do not use this word when describing paving a surface with stone slabs, which is the literal meaning of the noun but rarely used as a verb in modern speech.
The origin of "flag" is uncertain, but it may come from an Old English word for a poultice or perhaps imitate a sound describing something flat and broad. Regardless of its exact source, the term entered Middle English as a name for a piece of fabric used to signal ships at sea.