ensign

A large or noticeable flag or banner, often showing a ship’s nationality.

• The ship flew a blue ensign.
• They hoisted the national ensign at dawn.
• A bright ensign hung above the entrance.

Similar words: flag, banner

Common phrases: national ensign, red ensign, fly an ensign

An officer at the lowest commissioned rank in the United States Navy.

• The ensign reported to the captain.
• She joined the crew as an ensign.
• Two ensigns were promoted last month.

Common phrases: navy ensign, young ensign, ensign rank

A flag carried or displayed by a military unit.

• The soldiers carried the regimental ensign.
• Their ensign flew above the camp.
• The unit protected its ensign during the battle.

Similar words: flag, standard, colors

Common phrases: regimental ensign, military ensign, carry an ensign

A mark or object that shows someone’s official position, rank, or power.

• He wore an ensign of office.
• The royal ensign marked her authority.
• Each ensign represented a different rank.

Similar words: badge, insignia, emblem

Common phrases: ensign of office, royal ensign, ensign of authority

To give something a special mark or decoration that makes it stand out.

• They ensign each shield with a special mark.
• The craftsman ensigned the box with a silver emblem.
• A painted device ensigned the wooden panel.

How to use it: ensign something with something (The artist ensigned the shield with a golden emblem.)

Similar words: mark, decorate

Common phrases: ensign something, ensign with something

To place a crown or another decoration above or on a symbol in a coat of arms.

• They ensign the shield with a crown.
• The lion is ensigned with a golden coronet.
• A royal crown ensigned the heraldic eagle.

How to use it: ensign something with something (The designer ensigned the eagle with a crown.)

Similar words: crown

Common phrases: ensign a shield, ensign with something