half-mast

American  

[haf-mast, hahf-mahst] / ˈhæfˈmæst, ˈhɑfˈmɑst /

noun

1. a position approximately halfway between the top of a mast, staff, etc., and its base.

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verb (used with object)

1. to place (a flag) at half-mast, as a mark of respect for the dead or as a signal of distress.

half-mast British  

noun

1. the lower than normal position to which a flag is lowered on a mast as a sign of mourning or distress

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verb

1. (tr) to put (a flag) in this position

Etymology

Origin of half-mast

First recorded in 1620–30

Compare meaning

How does half-mast compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• half-staff vs. half-mast

Explanation

When a flag is raised about halfway up a flagpole, it's at half-mast. The half-mast position usually symbolizes mourning. Whenever you see a flag flying below the top of a ship's mast or a flagpole, you'll know it's at half-mast, also called half-staff. This tradition dates back to the 17th century. A U.S. flag at half-mast can be a symbol of national mourning, used after the death of a president, another government official, or on a holiday like Memorial Day. Local deaths and tragedies are also sometimes marked with flags at half-mast.

Example Sentences

Gunther joined Air Canada after graduating from Seneca, which said flags at the campus would be lowered to half-mast on Tuesday.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

AFP journalists saw the Iranian flag flying at half-mast as soldiers stood guard.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

A moment of silence was held before the game with security tightened at a packed Adelaide Oval where flags were flying at half-mast.

From Barron's • Dec. 17, 2025

Flags were lowered to half-mast by order of the president.

From Salon • Sep. 14, 2025

“Nobody’s seen you all day. Somebody told me they saw the flag at the guard booth at half-mast and I was afraid you might be dead.”

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt