pennant
UK: ˈpɛnənt | US: ˈpɛnənt
n. a long, tapering flag, typically used for signaling or as a symbol (e.g., in sports or nautical contexts).
n. a flag awarded as a trophy or symbol of victory (e.g., in baseball).
pennant = penn<flag> + ant<noun suffix>
- penn<flag>: Derived from Middle English penon, from Old French penon (small flag), ultimately from Latin penna (feather, wing), referencing the feather-like shape of early flags.
- ant<noun suffix>: A suffix forming nouns, often indicating an object or tool (e.g., pendant).
Etymology Origin:
The word pennant traces back to medieval flags resembling feathers or wings (penna in Latin). Over time, it evolved into a term for nautical signaling flags and later became associated with sports trophies, reflecting its symbolic role in marking achievement.
The ship hoisted a colorful pennant to signal its arrival.
The team celebrated wildly after winning the league pennant.
A tattered pennant fluttered in the breeze atop the mast.
Collectors value vintage baseball pennants as memorabilia.
The pennant’s design featured the school’s crest in gold thread.