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.

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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

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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

Flags will be flown at half-mast, while his portrait will be displayed, candles lit and moments of silence held at professional events.

From BBC ● Aug. 28, 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

During the day flags were flown at half-mast.

From "Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad" by Ann Petry