red tag

¹ American  

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.

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red-tag ² American  

[red-tag] / ˈrɛdˈtæg /

verb (used with object)

red-tagged, red-tagging

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.

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adjective

1. pertaining to or composed of something that has been red-tagged.

   the store's annual red-tag sale.

Etymology

Origin of red-tag

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

On Dec. 23, 2024, three days before the fire, the city placed red tag notices around the building, warning about a building or wall that could fall down.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 3, 2025

She described airlines as the "first line of defence" and pointed out that laws require them to isolate, put a red tag on and lock up in a secure vault any potentially "bogus parts".

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2023

“We’re going to red tag it all,” he added.

From Washington Post • Jan. 26, 2023

The company flags these discounts by placing a red tag icon under qualifying merchandise.

From The Wall Street Journal • Aug. 17, 2016

And tomorrow I'll just put the red tag back on over the yellow one and go through Shielding in the same line with you.

From The Very Secret Agent by Wolf, Mari