stag
stag Lexical Profile
stag Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An adult male deer of the family Cervidae, especially a mature male red deer (Cervus elaphus) noted for its large, branching antlers.
"A magnificent stag with a full crown of antlers stood at the edge of the misty highland clearing."
North American A man who attends a dance, party, or social gathering without a romantic partner or date.
"Several stags stood near the refreshment table chatting while the couples took to the dance floor."
British A speculator on the stock exchange who applies for newly issued shares with the intention of selling them immediately as trading begins to make a quick profit.
"Heavy demand from stags caused the technology company's shares to surge in price on the first morning of trading."
• adjective
Intended for, restricted to, or attended by men only.
"The groom's best friends organized a memorable stag weekend in the Scottish Highlands before the wedding."
• adverb
North American To a social event unaccompanied by a romantic partner or date (especially of a man).
"Since his partner was out of town for a conference, he decided to go stag to the charity gala."
• verb
North American To attend a dance, party, or social event unaccompanied by a date.
"Several of the seniors decided to stag to the homecoming dance as a group of friends."
British To buy newly issued shares on the stock market with the intention of selling them immediately at a profit.
"Short-term investors attempted to stag the new public offering as soon as allocations were announced."
• Rhymes for stag
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From late Old English stagga ('male deer'), ultimately from a Proto-Germanic root meaning 'to mount' or 'to prick', used in reference to male animals in their prime.