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; insignia

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

The secretary said the two ensigns, who only just graduated last year, were aboard the Navy destroyer and “helped defend the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.”

From Seattle Times

Finally, I happened to meet a lady Navy ensign one morning and now we, who are both retired Navy, will celebrate our 50th in December.

From Seattle Times

Earlier, while visiting the port of Busan, the Japanese vessel had flown a “Rising Sun” ensign.

From Washington Times

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

From Washington Times