ensign

[ en-sahyn; Military en-suhn ]

noun

1. a flag or banner, as a military or naval standard used to indicate nationality.

   Synonyms: streamer, pennant

2. a badge of office or authority, as heraldic arms.
3. a sign, token, or emblem:

   the dove, an ensign of peace.

4. U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. the lowest commissioned officer, ranking next below a lieutenant, junior grade, and equal to a second lieutenant in the Army.
5. Archaic. standard-bearer ( def 1 ).

ensign

/ ˈɛnsaɪn /

noun

1. alsoˈɛnsən a flag flown by a ship, branch of the armed forces, etc, to indicate nationality, allegiance, etc See also Red Ensign White Ensign
2. any flag, standard, or banner
3. a standard-bearer
4. a symbol, token, or emblem; sign
5. (in the US Navy) a commissioned officer of the lowest rank
6. (in the British infantry) a colours bearer
7. (formerly in the British infantry) a commissioned officer of the lowest rank

Derived Forms

• ˈensignˌship, noun

Other Words From

• ensign·ship ensign·cy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ensign¹

1325–75; Middle English ensigne < Old French enseigne < Latin insignia; insignia

Word History and Origins

Origin of ensign¹

C14: from Old French enseigne, from Latin insignia

Example Sentences

She danced in her 20s when filming 1958’s “South Pacific,” in which she played Ensign Nellie Forbush in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical.

From Los Angeles Times

At Nickie’s 1971 Bar & Grill near the beach, general manager Sean Ensign said many neighboring shops and eateries will close for Orange Crush though his will stay open, selling to-go food orders like last year.

From Seattle Times

But with nearby parking spaces closed, Ensign said his profits might take a hit, “possibly a few thousand dollars.”

From Seattle Times

The church agreed to pay $1 million and Ensign Peak will pay $4 million.

From Washington Times

Like the lawsuit filed by Huntsman, the lawsuit filed by the three men leans on allegations by whistleblower David Nielsen, a former Ensign Peak investment manager who this year submitted a 90-page memorandum to the U.S.

From Washington Times