half-staff

American  

[haf-staf, hahf-stahf] / ˈhæfˈstæf, ˈhɑfˈstɑf /

noun

1. half-mast.

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Etymology

Origin of half-staff

First recorded in 1595–1605

Compare meaning

How does half-staff compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• half-staff vs. half-mast

Example Sentences

Government authorities have stepped in with official relief measures and sanctioned mourning activities, such as flying flags at half-staff and the establishment of designated condolence sites.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 1, 2025

In fiercely progressive West Hollywood, a local news outlet posted an Instagram video of the city’s rainbow Pride flag and a blue-white-and-pink transgender flag lowered to half-staff, blowing in a light breeze.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 17, 2025

He followed this with a pronouncement that he was ordering flags to be lowered to half-staff.

From Slate • Sep. 10, 2025

Outside, the flags remained at half-staff in honor of the dead detectives.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2025

Then he told the crowd that he had already contacted the White House for permission to fly the United States flag at half-staff for a period of mourning.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson