half-staff
The North American term for the position of a flag lowered to the middle of a flagpole as a mark of respect or mourning — what the British call half-mast.
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Virginia flags were half-staff Monday to honor Dr. Cerina Fairfax, the dentist killed by her husband, former Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, in a murder-suicide in April. The Black Catholic mother was a dedicated practition…
www.offthepress.com/md-official-... Elfreth supports Liz Walsh's opponent, for Howard County Executive. Maryland Official Defies Half-Staff Flag Order For Charlie Kirk
Definitions
The North American term for the position of a flag lowered to the middle of a flagpole as a mark of respect or mourning — what the British call half-mast. Used in the United States, Canada, and the Philippines. The distinction between half-staff (on land) and half-mast (at sea) is sometimes maintained in formal usage.
Flags across the country were ordered to fly at half-staff following the announcement.
Comments
(US, Canada, sometimes, Philippines) Half-mast.
Half-staff means: Half-mast.. It is mainly Philippine English and may not be understood outside that context. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
half-staff means: Half-mast.. Register: informal, Philippine English. Often not understood outside its region; gloss the word on first use when writing for an international audience. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.
“Virginia flags were half-staff Monday to honor Dr. Cerina Fairfax, the dentist killed by her husband, former Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, in a murder-suicide in April. The Black Catholic mother was a dedicated practitioner and devoted member of her community. www.blackcatholicmes...”
— Bluesky· May 2026“www.offthepress.com/md-official-... Elfreth supports Liz Walsh's opponent, for Howard County Executive. Maryland Official Defies Half-Staff Flag Order For Charlie Kirk”
— Bluesky· May 2026
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Semantically related
- flagpole57%
A tall pole up which one or more flags may be raised and flown.
- half-mourning56%
(UK, slang, obsolete, humorous) The condition of having one black eye.
- Flags56%
Military slang nickname for a flag lieutenant — an aide-de-camp or personal staff officer to a senior naval commander, responsible for signals and communication. The nickname reduces the formal title to its most visual element. Used informally within naval contexts.
- half-mourning56%
A mourning costume less than deep or full mourning, worn somewhat later after the death.