Flag Glossary
Our dictionary of flag-related terms.

Acid Dye Process: A manufacturing technique that makes an image printed on one side of the material visible on the reverse. With some types of screen-printed fabrics, it may not be possible to see the image on the back, or it may be visible, albeit faint (the image shown on the reverse side of an acid dyed product is, in fact, reversed). Details in an acid dyed or screen printed fabric may not be as vibrant or sharp in comparison to double sided materials.

Alamo Flag: An icon of Texas history, also known as the 1824 Flag, this flag was used from 1824 until the 1830's. A three-color flag (vertical green, white, and red stripes) with the date “1824” affixed at the center, it is historically believed –though disputed by some – to have been flown by Texan forces during the Battle of the Alamo. On March 6, 1836, the Mexican army under General Santa Anna breached the walls of the Alamo after thirteen days of continuous assaults. Six weeks later Texan Army commander Sam Houston avenged the death of 187 Alamo defenders, including Jim Bowie, Davey Crockett, and William Travis, and defeated Santa Anna, and established the independence of the Texas Republic. The Alamo Flag (or 1824 Flag) was used from 1824 until the independence of the Texas Republic in 1836.

American Flag: The American flag has stood as a symbol of freedom, discovery, vision and sacrifice like no other national flag. The present American flag was adopted on July 4, 1960 and displays 50 stars that represent the 50 United States and 13 stripes which pays tribute to our history representing the original 13 colonies. The American flag is honored with a pledge , song and many official regulations about the display and disposal.

Legend tells us that George Washington commissioned Betsy Ross to design and sew our first national flag, which we have come to know as the Betsy Ross flag . However history is not so clear, Washington did command the first use of an official flag, however it was the Grand Union Flag . There is very little supporting documentation on the development or standards used for the creation of the Betsy Ross or first dedicated United States of America flag which was adopted by the United States of America on June 14, 1977. What we do know is the emotion it has invoked throughout history as well as today! Officially adopted by the United States on June 14, 1777. The first flag consisted of 13 white stars in a blue canton, and 13 alternating red and white stripes; thirteen being the number of states in the union at the time of inception. Today’s flag adorns 50 stars in the canton. The flag was last updated on July 4, 1960.

Antiqued Flags: New products designed to appear aged, or vintage. Various effects including faded colors, “tea-stains”, and the appearance of weather-worn material make these new and sturdy products appear to have stood the test of time.

Appliqué: The process of stitching more than one fabric together, or over one another, which allows for many more design possibilities than just piecing alone. This is an expensive method for custom flags, however is the official choice for many government agencies.

Armed Forces Flags: The five branches of the United States Armed Forces (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard) are each represented by individual identifying flags that carry the symbol, crest, or identifying mark of that branch. Within each branch, Fflags fly on various occasions within each branch, at various locations, and on transport vessels. See the seals of the Arm , Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.

Background Color: The background color of a flag, also known as the field or ground.

Banner: A piece of cloth bearing a slogan or design, made in many sizes and dimensions, which serve a number of purposes including, patriotic observance, advertising, etc. Banners are hung in public places, and/or carried in a demonstration or procession.

Beacon® U.S. Flags: Our best all-around U.S. Flag design. Our signature Beacon® flags are manufactured using a light yet durable 200-denier nylon that stands up to the elements. This vibrant fabric dries quickly and flies beautifully, even in the slightest breeze.

Bedford Flag: Nathaniel Hawthorne was believed to have carried this flag for the American minutemen at the battle of Concord on April 19, 1775. This was the first known flag to be flown in a Revolutionary war incident. Our nylon Bedford flags are constructed of tough, long-lasting SolarMax® nylon, and designed for longevity when used outdoors.

Bennington Flag: The historic Bennington flag flew at Bennington, Vermont home of the military stores during the American Revolution. The Bennington Flag features 13 stars and 13 stripes representing the 13 American colonies. Eleven of the stars arc over the 76, recalling the year 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Betsy Ross Flag: One of the most iconic flags in American history, the Betsy Ross is the first official flag on the United States of America. The circular pattern of thirteen white stars pop from the blue union accompanied by the thirteen alternating red and white stripes.

Bunting: A loosely woven fabric, Bunting is traditionally used decoratively on buildings for a number of purposes. American Flag Red, White and Blue bunting is used for all types of nationally observed holidays and celebrations. Mourning Bunting is also applied in memorial services to show respect for those who have died.

Burgee: A flag that bears the colors or emblem of a sailing club, typically triangular in shape. Also a design of flag that has a dual pointed ends at the top and bottom creating a triangular opening at the fly end of the flag – see the Ohio State Flag.

Car Flag: A flag that hooks onto a car's side windows, on a hood or fender, or can be mounted on a wall using brackets.

Coat Of Arms: In early history, knights employed a Coat of Arms to identify themselves from their enemies. A household term through European tradition, a Coat of Arms is domestically used as a design to identify a particular person or family line, corporation, or country.

Confederate Flag: The Confederate battle flag is often erroneously confused with the national flag of the Confederacy. Variations of this flag were flown during battles of the Civil War. The battle flag features the cross of St. Andrew and is commonly called the "Southern Cross". The flag's stars represented the eleven states in the Confederacy, plus Kentucky and Missouri.

Culpeper Flag: The Culpeper minutemen of Virginia used this pattern in 1775 in the Battle of the Great Bridge at Norfolk, Virginia on December 9, 1775. The Culpeper men were part of the First Virginia Regiment, led by Colonel Patrick Henry, who is well known for his statement, "Give me liberty or give me death!” The flag also features another popular historical reference “Don’t Tread on me”.

Custom Flag: Produced with several techniques, digitally printed custom flags are designed using a state-of-the-art digital press capable of photo quality reproductions, shading and other fine detail. Silk-Screening is another, less expensive technique which utilizes porous screens and stencils. Ink is pushed through the screen onto the nylon background material. Silk-screening works best on white or light-colored backgrounds.

Denier: A unit of weight by which the fineness of silk, rayon, or nylon yarn is measured.

Digital Process: A printing technique using a state-of-the-art digital press capable of photo quality reproductions, shading and other fine detail. The versatile technique is also ideal for even the simplest flag design. Ideal for custom flags and banners for a variety of applications.

Don't Tread On Me: A phrase which appears on the Gadsden Flag,Culpeper and the First Navy Jack, and was also used as an early motto for the US Marine Corps. The phrase, along with the picture of a rattlesnake that accompanies the words on both the aforementioned flags, was a symbol of resistance to repressive British acts in Colonial America.

Double-Sided: A two-sided flag or banner that flies correctly from both sides. See our custom information sheet or our double-sided POW flags.

Embroidered Flag: Crafted with fabric or other materials with needle and thread or yarn, and may also incorporate other materials.

Embroidered Star: Crafted with thread or yarn, the stars in the canton of the U.S. Flag are heavy and durable. Other methods are not true to tradition and do not last as long.

Family Crest: A distinctive device borne above the shield of a coat of arms to represent a family line.

Fan: Comparable to Bunting, fans are among the most popular of patriotic décor, with use dating back to the 19th century. Historically, they have decorated everything from political event venues to train cabooses. Today these popular patriotic products are available in several colors, materials and both larger and smaller, residential sizes. Other uses, like bunting, include memorial service, recognition and remembrance.

Flag:A piece of cloth or similar material, typically oblong or square, attachable by one edge to a pole or rope and used as the symbol or emblem of a country or institution, or as a decoration during public festivities.

Fly End: The end of a flag opposite the flag pole. This is the part of the flag that dances in a breeze, or rests low in calm weather conditions, or indoor settings. When used outside the fly-end of a flag is the most susceptible part of the material prone to wear.

First Confederate Flag: Also referred to as "Stars and Bars," this was the first official flag of the Confederacy, and was flown from March 5, 1861 to May 26, 1863. The state flags of Mississippi, Georgia, and Tennessee are all based on Confederate flags. The flag of North Carolina is based on the state's 1861 flag which dates back to the Confederacy and appears to be based on the First Confederate flag.

First Navy Jack Flag: The current U.S. jack flag authorized by the United States Navy. The design is traditionally regarded as first U.S. naval jack flown in the earliest years of the republic.

FMAA: The Flag Manufacturers Association of America (FMAA) is a non-profit trade association, established in 2003, representing the leading United States flag manufacturers and suppliers dedicated to educating and promoting the quality, variety and proper use of flags manufactured in the United States.

Fringe: An ornamental border of threads left loose or formed into tassels or twists, used to edge clothing or material. Fringe is a decoration most Often found on indoor or parade flags.

Gadsden Flag: A historical American flag with a yellow field depicting a rattlesnake coiled and ready to strike. Positioned below the snake are the words, "DONT TREAD ON ME". Designed by and named after American general and statesman, Christopher Gadsden. It was also used by The United States Marine Corps as an early motto flag.

Garden Flag: Small flags, adorning seasonal colors, messages or images, used as decoration within landscaping displays. Garden flag stands can be equally as decorative to accent the flag it carries.

Grommet: An eyelet placed in the hole of a flag or banner for protection from the rope or cable passed through, preventing the fabric from tears or wear.

Ground Sleeve: A section of pipe, submerged in the ground, in which a flagpole is inserted to stand upright.

Ground Spike: Hardware used to steady tents and/or flags against the elements, or to assist in weight balance.

Guidon: A pennant that narrows to a point or fork at the free end. In the branches of the US military guidons are used to identify unit designations and affiliations.

Guidon Staff: Like a standard flagpole, a guidon flag flies at the pinnacle of a guidon staff. A difference is it’s mobile capability, as guidon staffs are made to carry while flying its colors. Common lengths of guidon staffs vary between seven and nine feet, and sometimes may be seen tipped with an ornament. Guidon staffs can also be used indoors to display a flag while resting in a base.

Halyard: Affixed to a flagpole, a halyard is a rope used for raising and lowering a flag or banner.

Header: Commonly made of canvas, the header is found bordering the hoist end of a flag or banner, and houses the grommets.

Historical Flags: Flags that represent a period in time, and may or may not still be in use today. Some flags still in use today can be traced to a significant time of antiquity, but for the most part historical flags are reproductions of retired designs.

Hoist End: The side of a flag that is nearest the flagpole, opposite the fly end.

Imported Flags: Items that have been produced and/or manufactured outside the United States.

Interlining: A fabricating technique where additional material is used as a lining. Interlining is used on double sided flags and banners to reduce opacity.

International Code Of Signals: Also known by its acronym, INTERCO, the International Code of Signals is code used by merchant and naval vessels when language barriers are present. The code is used to communicate messages about the state of a vessel and the intent of its captain. Signals can be sent a variety of ways, one of which being the use of a signal flag.

Jolly Roger Flag:Commonly identified as a pirate flag, the Jolly Roger displays a skull and crossbones against a black field.

Lions & Castles Flag: A historical flag, officially called the Royal Standard of Spain, Christopher Columbus sailed under the Lions and Castles Flag on his journey to the New World. This flag depicts a red lion on a white field opposite a yellow castle on a red field. Magellan also sailed under Lions and Castles during his voyage around the world..

Lock Stitching: A mechanically executed stitch, commonly by a sewing machine, employing two separate threads that weave above and below the fabric.

No Fray: A certain type of fabric that does not require hemmed borders. No Fray fabric is commonly used in miniature hand flags handed out at parades and celebratory functions..

Nylon Flag: A lightweight material that flies beautifully in even a slight breeze. The most popular material choice for flags.

Old Glory: Nickname of the American Flag, the flag was officially adopted by the United States on June 14, 1777. The first flag consisted of 13 white stars in a blue canton, and 13 alternating red and white stripes; thirteen being the number of states in the union at the time of inception. Today’s flag with 50 stars in the canton was last updated on July 4, 1960..

OG Blue: The official blue hue used in the American Flag in the canton.

OG Red: The official red hue used in the American Flag for the stripes.

Patriarch® U.S. Flags: Made from high-quality durable polyester, the Patriarch® U.S. Flag stands up to high winds; ideal for coastal and more extreme weather environments. Made in the USA..

Pennant Flag: A flag that tapers at the fly end, resembling an isosceles triangle. Often seen in solid color pennant flags or as a custom pennant for boats or coastal areas.

Pennant String: A series of pennant flags strung together. Used in a number of capacities, and commonly found in commercial capacities, e.g. auto dealers, business grand openings, etc.

Pole Sleeve: Used on flags or banners primarily displayed indoors, a pole sleeve flag is hemmed at the hoist end so that the flag or banner can be affixed in place on to a flagpole without the use of grommets.

Polyester: A flag or banner made partially or wholly from polyester, a synthetic material with durable properties. Polyester material is the best choice for more extreme weather environments.

POW MIA Flag: A special American flag, used as a symbol of concern and recognition with respect to American soldiers who have been captured, kept prisoner, are missing, or are unaccounted for.

Pulldown: A flag or banner hung vertically, and often with more narrow dimensions than a traditional flag. Commonly used in festive decorating, or more practically in business marketing and advertising.

Roped Heading: A manufacturing technique where rope runs through the inside of a header, and the use grommets is not required; thimbled ends replace the grommets for fastening. Roped heading is primarily utilized as reinforcement against the weight of a larger, heavier flag.

Service Banner / Flag: A service flag/banner displays a red border, white field, and any of one to four blue and/or stars in the center. An official banner of the United States, it is displayed vertically by family members of service men and women at war, in hostile territory, or a family member who died while in service.

Signal Code Flag: Maritime flags used at sea as communication components in the International Code of Signals. A myriad of flags are used in the Code, some representing individual letters of the alphabet, to flags that represent specific meaning, such as an underwater diver. Commonly used to communicate when language barriers are present, or ship-to-ship verbal communication is not possible. Signal code flags are made in a number of geometric orientations, e.g. pennant, guidon, et al.

Single-Sided: A single sided flag flies correctly from one side. Its reverse side will display, in fact, in reverse orientation.

Snap Hook: Made from a variety of materials, including brass or vinyl, snap hooks connect a flag to a halyard through grommets.

Staff: A portable, handheld flag pole, generally made of wood, and primarily utilized in parade functions.

Star Spangled Banner Flag: The end of a flag opposite the flag pole. This is the part of the flag that dances in a breeze, or rests low in calm weather conditions, or indoor settings. When used outside the fly-end of a flag is the most susceptible part of the material prone to wear.

Stars & Bars Flag: The first official flag of the Confederacy, known as "Stars and Bars," flew from March, 1861, to May, 1863. It was updated four times during it’s use; the first flag displaying seven stars in the blue canton would be retired for a nine-star flag, an eleven star flag succeeded the nine-star, and a thirteen star design was the last update before its final retirement from service in May, 1863. Historically the Stars and Bars flag caused confusion on the battlefield because of its similarity to the U.S. flag of the U.S. Army. It was also used as a naval ensign.

Storm Signal Flag: Originally implemented by the National Weather Service, storm signal flags are used as a cautionary and warning device today by the United States Coast Guard to warn ships and boats of bad weather, primarily gale force and hurricane wind strengths. The signal flags are also posted in costal areas during times of inclement conditions, warning those on land to prepare for weather events, and to seek shelter.

Tassel: A decorative, loosely hung cord that ties to a rod. Used most often in parades and ceremonial processions, or on indoor flag displays.

United Nations: An international organization of countries set up in 1945, in succession to the League of Nations, to promote international peace, security, and cooperation.

United States Flag: The American Flag, officially adopted by the United States on June 14, 1777. The first flag consisted of 13 white stars in a blue canton, and 13 alternating red and white stripes; thirteen being the number of states in the union at the time of inception. Today’s flag with 50 stars in the canton was last updated on July 4, 1960.

Windsock: Originally implemented by the National Weather Service, storm signal flags are used as a cautionary and warning device today by the United States Coast Guard to warn ships and boats of bad weather, primarily gale force and hurricane wind strengths. The signal flags are also posted in costal areas during times of inclement conditions, warning those on land to prepare for weather events, and to seek shelter.

Wood-Grained Steel: A flagpole made of steel with the look of wood. Steel construction allows durability over warping, to which wood is susceptible.

Yacht Ensign: A special flag resembling the thirteen-star American Flag, the Yacht Ensign displays an anchor at the center of the circle of stars in the canton. Civilian vessels or small boats may use it in place of the national flag in US waters, however this practice has no specific support by law. Its function is unofficial; it is more of a legal option for undocumented vessels in US waters that aren’t required to fly an ensign, and used most commonly by boaters through tradition only..