white ensign

American  

noun

1. the British naval ensign, consisting of the red cross of St. George on a white field, with the British union occupying the upper quarter along the hoist.

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White Ensign British  

noun

1. the ensign of the Royal Navy and the Royal Yacht Squadron, having a red cross on a white background with the Union Jack at the upper corner of the vertical edge alongside the hoist Compare Red Ensign Blue Ensign

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Etymology

Origin of white ensign

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

He was believed to have been the last surviving British marine to see the Royal Navy’s white ensign raised over Sword Beach as allied forces advanced.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 16, 2022

The vessel's white ensign will be lowered for the final time at a special ceremony in front of honorary guests.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2011

The aircraft carrier's Commanding Officer Captain Jerry Kyd will also give a speech and present the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth with a ship's white ensign.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2011

At dawn one day last month the British submarine Regent slipped past mine fields into the harbor of Cattaro and ran up her largest white ensign.

From Time Magazine Archive

By some oversight the order was not conveyed to the Royal Western of Ireland, whose ships flew the white ensign until in 1857 the usage was stopped.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 4 "Finland" to "Fleury, Andre" by Various