white flag

noun

1. an all-white banner or piece of cloth, used as a symbol of surrender or truce.

white flag

noun

1. a white flag or a piece of white cloth hoisted to signify surrender or request a truce

Other Words From

• white-flag adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of white flag¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. hoist / show / wave the white flag, to give up; weaken; yield.

Example Sentences

He’s interfering with our elections again, this time hoping Mr. Trump will be elected and waive the white flag over Ukraine.

From Salon

California long ago threw up the white flag of surrender on controlling athletic transfers, making it similar to the current status of college sports.

From Los Angeles Times

He effectively waved the white flag before the club had gone through the batting order even two full times.

From Los Angeles Times

As she got off the plane at LAX, she held up the white flag bearing the five Olympic rings.

From Los Angeles Times

If an AIN is on the podium, the teal and white flag featuring the AIN logo will be raised at the medal ceremony.

From BBC