red tag

¹

noun

1. a tag or other marker colored red and used to categorize something for a special purpose.

   Items with a red tag are on sale today.

red-tag

²

[red-tag]

verb (used with object)

red-tagged, red-tagging 

1. to attach a red tag to, as merchandise for special sale.

2. to identify for a specific purpose; earmark.

   The inspector red-tagged the restaurant for health violations.

adjective

1. pertaining to or composed of something that has been red-tagged.

   the store's annual red-tag sale.

Word History and Origins

Origin of red tag¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Slide activity has picked up noticeably since 2023, damaging roads, forcing officials to cut off utilities and “red tag” at least 20 houses, meaning nobody can occupy them until the threat is addressed.

From Los Angeles Times

She alleges the drone made two big loops around her property and, shortly after, a red tag appeared on her gate alleging two violations of the county code — one for illegal grading and another for having on her property an unpermitted dwelling, a small cabin that her father had built on the land in 1981.

From Los Angeles Times

On Dec. 23, 2024, three days before the fire, the city placed red tag notices around the building, warning about a building or wall that could fall down.

From Los Angeles Times

She described airlines as the "first line of defence" and pointed out that laws require them to isolate, put a red tag on and lock up in a secure vault any potentially "bogus parts".

From BBC

“We’re going to red tag it all,” he added.

From Washington Post