Jump To:

• blue flag
  blue flag

  noun

  any North American plant of the genus Iris, especially I. versicolor : the state flower of Tennessee.
• Blue Flag
  Blue Flag

  noun

  an award given to a seaside resort that meets EU standards of cleanliness of beaches and purity of water in bathing areas

blue flag

American  

noun

1. any North American plant of the genus Iris, especially I. versicolor : the state flower of Tennessee.

---

Blue Flag British  

noun

1. an award given to a seaside resort that meets EU standards of cleanliness of beaches and purity of water in bathing areas

---

Etymology

Origin of blue flag

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

blue flag Blue Flag

Their red and blue flag has flown regularly over the town and a number of families can trace their roots back to the Scandinavian country.

From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026

Surveillance cameras showed Rhine carrying cowbells and a blue flag with white stars in the building.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 27, 2023

At the protests, Millaray would rap or stroll among protesters with her hand-painted blue flag bearing the “Wünelfe,” an eight-point star sacred in Mapuche iconography.

From New York Times ● Jan. 27, 2023

In each spot where they did, he bent down and planted a little blue flag and said that’s where I’d likely find my bad pipe.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 13, 2022

The cookhouse couldn’t be more obvious—never mind the orange and blue flag, the boiler belching in the background, or the stream of people heading for it.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

“The secret is out that fall is the best time to come,” said Brad Guidi, co-founder of Blue Flag Capital, which owns five hotels on the island, including the recently renovated Brass Lantern Inn.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 20, 2026

The Blue Flag, a certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education, certifies the environmental commitment of cruise companies, marinas and beaches.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 28, 2022

The Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate, where the Woolfs stayed, has its own beach that was awarded Blue Flag eco-certification, as well as a spa.

From New York Times ● Feb. 26, 2018

And then they segue into the Blue Flag.

From The Guardian ● May 2, 2013

Do you recollect in that year, for the first time in your life, of hearing Dixie and the Bonnie Blue Flag?

From "Co. Aytch" Maury Grays, First Tennessee Regiment or, A Side Show of the Big Show by Sam R. Watkins