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• white ensign
  white ensign

  noun

  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.
• White Ensign
  White Ensign

  noun

  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

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

See Examples For:

white ensign White Ensign

He was a Flag Officer and went without food or drink for the whole day as he held the naval white ensign.

From BBC ● May 6, 2023

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

Looking around the room, he sees a white ensign and a "very blond girl" sitting with an older couple, evidently the parents of one of them.

From Time Magazine Archive

They then made out that the one coming up from the south was flying the white ensign, and at once they hoisted their sail and made for her.

From By Conduct and Courage A Story of the Days of Nelson by Rainey, W. (William)

For the first time she'll raise the White Ensign - officially becoming a Royal Navy Warship.

From BBC ● Dec. 6, 2017

There is also a large White Ensign on the left shoulder.

From BBC ● Mar. 19, 2015

The commander of the operation has sent the following message: ''Be pleased to inform Her Majesty that the White Ensign flies alongside the Union Jack in South Georgia.

From The Guardian ● Sep. 19, 2014

The commander of the operation has sent the following message: “Be pleased to inform Her Majesty that the White Ensign flies alongside the Union Jack in South Georgia. God save the Queen.”

From New York Times ● Sep. 19, 2014

The command of the Pacific had passed from England to Germany, and the White Ensign hung draggled and shamed for all the world to sneer at.

From The Lost Naval Papers by Copplestone, Bennet