What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
flags
Example
The American flag has 50 stars and 13 stripes. [flag: noun]
Example
The referee raised the yellow flag to signal a penalty. [flag: noun]
Example
We put up colorful flags for the party decorations. [flags: noun]
pennant
Example
The ship's pennant fluttered in the wind as it sailed into the harbor. [pennant: noun]
Example
The baseball team won the pennant and advanced to the World Series. [pennant: noun]
Example
The sailors hoisted the pennant to signal their arrival. [pennant: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Flags are more commonly used and recognized than pennants in everyday language. Flags have a wider range of applications and are more commonly seen in public spaces, while pennants are more specific to certain contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between flags and pennant?
Both flags and pennants can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation. However, flags may be more commonly used in formal settings due to their association with countries and organizations.