half-mast

American  

[haf-mast, hahf-mahst] / ˈhæfˈmæst, ˈhɑfˈmɑst /

noun

1. a position approximately halfway between the top of a mast, staff, etc., and its base.

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verb (used with object)

1. to place (a flag) at half-mast, as a mark of respect for the dead or as a signal of distress.

half-mast British  

noun

1. the lower than normal position to which a flag is lowered on a mast as a sign of mourning or distress

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verb

1. (tr) to put (a flag) in this position

Etymology

Origin of half-mast

First recorded in 1620–30

Compare meaning

How does half-mast compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• half-staff vs. half-mast

Example Sentences

AFP journalists saw the Iranian flag flying at half-mast as soldiers stood guard.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

Flags will fly at half-mast and Australians are being asked to light a candle in their windows to honour the victims.

From BBC • Dec. 20, 2025

A moment of silence was held before the game with security tightened at a packed Adelaide Oval where flags were flying at half-mast.

From Barron's • Dec. 17, 2025

Flags were lowered to half-mast by order of the president.

From Salon • Sep. 14, 2025

“Nobody’s seen you all day. Somebody told me they saw the flag at the guard booth at half-mast and I was afraid you might be dead.”

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt