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-tag·ging.

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

It was with relief that he watched them fill out the red tag which gave him a priority on jet transports for home.

From Project Gutenberg

Rafael clapped his hands with the rest when Miss Florence pinned the fish in the river and the red tag on Francie's blouse.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

In my box I found a small Coch-y-bondhu, which had a red tag and a peacock herl body.

From Project Gutenberg

I tried him then with an olive quill, a Wickham, and a red tag; but he would have none of them.

From Project Gutenberg