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

Samuel attended the Massachusetts Maritime Academy for two years and was commissioned an ensign.

From New York Times • Nov. 13, 2022

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

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2022

Chekov, the Russian ensign; Sulu, the Japanese American helmsman; and the half-human, half-Vulcan first officer, Mr. Spock, added an interstellar touch of diversity.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly