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• red tag
  red tag

  noun

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

  verb (used with object)

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

red tag

¹ American  

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.

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red-tag ² American  

[red-tag] / ˈrɛdˈtæg /

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.

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adjective

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

   the store's annual red-tag sale.

Etymology

Origin of red-tag

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

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 • Dec. 6, 2023

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

From Washington Post • Jan. 26, 2023

But if there’s visible damage to the heater, or if the gas company disconnects service and leaves a red tag on the furnace, take a picture and keep a copy for your records.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 10, 2023

The company flags these discounts by placing a red tag icon under qualifying merchandise.

From The Wall Street Journal • Aug. 17, 2016

Then the beam of his torch caught the little red tag on the air lock of the lifeboat.

From The Measure of a Man by Garrett, Randall