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Synonyms

flagpole

American  
[flag-pohl] / ˈflægˌpoʊl /

noun

  1. a staff or pole on which a flag is or can be displayed.

flagpole British  
/ ˈflæɡˌstɑːf, ˈflæɡˌpəʊl /

noun

  1. a pole or staff on which a flag is hoisted and displayed

  2. to pursue a tentative course of action in order to gauge the reaction it receives

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of flagpole

First recorded in 1880–85; flag 1 + pole 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Bavarian comedian Maxi Schafroth, 41, attempted to run up the Stars and Stripes on a flagpole near the cultural centre in Nuuk, before he was confronted by angry passers-by.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

Within a few minutes, I spotted another police car, which drove slowly around the flagpole at the entrance, then left.

From Slate • Jun. 19, 2025

The statue will be replaced by a flagpole, as was the case when a different Lenin statue was relocated in Bishek, according to local media.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2025

For buildings with more than one flagpole, the government guidance says the union jack should always be flown in the "superior position" for example on the highest flagpole or in the centre.

From BBC • May 16, 2025

The flagpole was right next to the office.

From "Stormbreaker" by Anthony Horowitz

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.