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

Example Sentences

Officials observed a three minutes' silence to mark the start of the period, while the flags of China and Hong Kong were flown at half-mast.

From BBC

So when he learns about someone local who has just died from an overdose, he lowers the American flag over his shop and flies a purple flag at half-mast for five days.

From New York Times

Flags in Plymouth are being flown at half-mast, while Smeaton's Tower was lit up as a mark of respect to the victims on Friday night.

From BBC

Flags across the city were seen flying at half-mast, while Smeaton's Tower will be lit up later as a mark of respect to the victims.

From BBC

Flags flew at half-mast over government institutions and embassies, and even medical labs and COVID-19 vaccination centers were closed to mark the day.

From Seattle Times