ensign

noun

en·​sign ˈen(t)-sən 

also for senses 1, 2, & 3a

ˈen-ˌsīn 

1

: a flag that is flown (as by a ship) as the symbol of nationality and that may also be flown with a distinctive badge added to its design

2

a

: a badge of office, rank, or power

b

: emblem, sign

3

a

: an infantry officer of what was formerly the lowest commissioned rank

b

: a commissioned officer in the navy or coast guard ranking above a chief warrant officer and below a lieutenant junior grade

Synonyms

• emblem
• hallmark
• impresa
• logo
• symbol
• totem
• trademark

Examples of ensign in a Sentence

that ensign of tutorial authority, the hickory stick

fittingly, the organization promoting the welfare of marine life features a dolphin on its ensign

Recent Examples on the Web

Camp McCoy received prisoners from Europe and Asia, including the first Japanese prisoner of war, an ensign who was captured at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. —Chris Foran, Journal Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024

The South Vietnamese flag flew high alongside ensigns for the Confederacy and MAGA and QAnon. —Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024

June 5, 1946 Carter graduates from the U.S. Naval Academy and is assigned to the USS Wyoming as an ensign. —George Petras, USA TODAY, 30 Sep. 2024

The show, created and executive produced by Mike McMahan, stars Tawny Newsome, Jack Quaid, Noël Wells and Eugene Cordero as four low-ranking officers on the USS Cerritos, who were all promoted in Season 4 from ensigns to lieutenant (junior grade). —Adam B. Vary, Variety, 16 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ensigne, sign, token, banner, from Anglo-French enseigne, from Latin insignia insignia, flags

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

ensign

noun

en·​sign ˈen(t)-sən 

in senses 1 & 2 also

ˈen-ˌsīn 

1

: a flag flown as the symbol of nationality (as on a ship)

2

: a badge of office, rank, or power

3

: a naval commissioned officer of the lowest rank