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

While Pratt and hundreds of demonstrators were staging a “They Let Us Burn” rally in the Palisades, Bass stood solemnly outside City Hall as police officers lowered flags to half-staff.

From Los Angeles Times

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

There have been debates over whether to lower flags to half-staff.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s not unprecedented for a president to order flags lowered to half-staff for a civilian, according to James Ferrigan, a flag expert who previously served as protocol officer at the North American Vexillological Assn.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times