ensign

American  

[en-sahyn, en-suhn] / ˈɛn saɪn, ˈɛn sən /

noun

1. a flag or banner, as a military or naval standard used to indicate nationality.

   Synonyms:

   streamer, pennant

2. a badge of office or authority, as heraldic arms.

3. a sign, token, or emblem.

   the dove, an ensign of peace.

4. U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. the lowest commissioned officer, ranking next below a lieutenant, junior grade, and equal to a second lieutenant in the Army.

5. Archaic. standard-bearer.

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ensign British  

/ ˈɛnsaɪn /

noun

1. a flag flown by a ship, branch of the armed forces, etc, to indicate nationality, allegiance, etc See also Red Ensign White Ensign

2. any flag, standard, or banner

3. a standard-bearer

4. a symbol, token, or emblem; sign

5. (in the US Navy) a commissioned officer of the lowest rank

6. (in the British infantry) a colours bearer

7. (formerly in the British infantry) a commissioned officer of the lowest rank

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Other Word Forms

• ensigncy noun
• ensignship noun

Etymology

Origin of ensign

1325–75; Middle English ensigne < Old French enseigne < Latin insignia; see insignia

Explanation

Use the noun ensign when you talk about a Navy officer. An ensign's rank is just below lieutenant and above a non commissioned petty officer or midshipman. The lowest ranking commissioned officer in the US Navy is an ensign, and it's a similar position in the British infantry as well. You can also use the word to describe a country's flag or another symbol that represents a particular nation. For example, you might say that a ship displays the Norwegian ensign when it flies the flag of Norway. Ensign is a Scottish word that comes from the Old French enseigne, "mark, symbol, flag, or pennant."

Example Sentences

During and after the Civil War, of course, the ensign was as much a symbol of tyranny to many Southerners as it was a source of unity.

From Salon • Jan. 3, 2026

“It reminds me of the higher purpose everybody has when they join the military,” the ensign recalled.

From Washington Times • May 28, 2023

Her first tour as an ensign took her to Seattle for an assignment aboard an icebreaker, the Polar Star.

From New York Times • May 31, 2022

It has also been used as the ensign for the Russian navy since the 18th Century.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2022

They could talk of nothing but officers; and Mr. Bingley’s large fortune, the mention of which gave animation to their mother, was worthless in their eyes when opposed to the regimentals of an ensign.

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen