black flag

American  

noun

1. a pirate flag, usually of black cloth with a white skull and crossbones on it; Jolly Roger.

2. a flag having two yellow and two black squares, signifying the letter L in the International Code of Signals: formerly so called when used by itself to indicate the presence of cholera on board a vessel.

3. a signal given to an automobile racing driver to stop, usually because the car may have a dangerous problem that requires inspection.

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black flag British  

noun

1. another name for the Jolly Roger

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Etymology

Origin of black flag

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

"Their hearts must have sunk seeing this black flag against the whiteness of Antarctica," said David Waterhouse, curator of the polar museum at SPRI.

From BBC

The sky was a black flag at first light.

From Los Angeles Times

The green and black flag of the opposition, now ubiquitous, stands out.

From BBC

Chapman scrambled to the officials’ stand, pleading with Chief Steward Harlan Fengler to put out a black flag for Jones, calling him to the pits.

From Los Angeles Times

The couple have hung a large black flag from their veranda, in solidarity with the hostages - 19 of them from Kfar Aza.

From BBC