ensign
ensign Lexical Profile
ensign Game Scores & Validity
• noun
American A commissioned officer of the lowest rank in the United States Navy or Coast Guard, ranking just below a lieutenant junior grade.
"After graduating from the Naval Academy, she received her first commission as an ensign."
A flag or standard, especially a large one flown by a ship to indicate its nationality or military branch.
"The battleship raised its national ensign as it prepared to enter the foreign harbor."
A badge, token, or emblem indicating office, authority, or rank.
"The heavy golden chain was worn by the mayor as an ensign of his civic authority."
Word Nuance & Usage
In military and nautical contexts, 'ensign' functions as a dual term: referring both to a ship's national flag and to the junior-most commissioned officer rank in the US Navy, historically named because the lowest-ranking officer was responsible for carrying the flag.
• Rhymes for ensign
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'ensigne', borrowed from Old French 'enseigne' (mark, symbol, flag), which traces back to Latin 'insignia', the plural of 'insigne' (badge, emblem), derived from 'insignis' (distinguished, remarkable).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.