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.

---

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

---

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

Explanation

When a flag is raised about halfway up a flagpole, it's at half-mast. The half-mast position usually symbolizes mourning. Whenever you see a flag flying below the top of a ship's mast or a flagpole, you'll know it's at half-mast, also called half-staff. This tradition dates back to the 17th century. A U.S. flag at half-mast can be a symbol of national mourning, used after the death of a president, another government official, or on a holiday like Memorial Day. Local deaths and tragedies are also sometimes marked with flags at half-mast.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

half-mast

Flags flew at half-mast, with candlelight vigils planned later in the day, following traditional Hindu mourning rituals on the 13th day after death.

From Barron's ● Sep. 7, 2026

Meanwhile, flags across the US flew at half-mast on Wednesday, in tribute to the singer.

From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026

Flags are flying at half-mast to honor singer Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday at the age of 80.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026

"The humanitarian family mourns a woman of conviction," Unicef in Cameroon posted on X, announcing that UN flags would be flown at half-mast in her honour.

From BBC ● Mar. 11, 2026

There was even a grey muslin flag hung at half-mast by the bent bough archway into our spot.

From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline