flag-waving

[ flag-wey-ving ]

noun

1. an ostentatiously emotional display of patriotism or factionalism.

flag-waving

noun

1. informal.
   1. an emotional appeal or display intended to arouse patriotic or nationalistic feeling
   2. ( as modifier )

      a flag-waving speech

Derived Forms

• ˈflag-ˌwaver, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of flag-waving¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

I do know that there was a lot of flag waving on NBC in 2014, and it came at the cost of good stories like Bjørndalen's.

From The Daily Beast

The family stood in front of a living backdrop of smiling, applauding, flag-waving supporters.

From The Daily Beast

In 1995, I was thrust into the role of reluctant, flag-waving feminist and emotionally-focused artist/advocate.

From The Daily Beast

Flag-waving crowds lining the streets cheered and broke into impromptu renditions of God Save The Queen as the monarch passed.

From The Daily Beast

And in Israel, they are often the worst of flag-waving patriots, ugly, mean, and drunk with their power.

From The Daily Beast

I saw a small flag waving from a window, and wishing to find out what sort of a Union man resided there, rang the bell.

From Project Gutenberg

Now look at the flag waving from the top of the staff yonder.

From Project Gutenberg

His eyes kept straying to the rioting, flag-waving grand-stands.

From Project Gutenberg

The Canadians are no more desirous of seeing England's flag waving over their lands than we are ourselves.

From Project Gutenberg

He did not pause till he came in sight of the old flag waving above the school.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• loyalty
• nationalism