flag-waving

noun

flag-wav·​ing ˈflag-ˌwā-viŋ How to pronounce flag-waving (audio)
: excessively passionate appeal to patriotic or partisan sentiment : chauvinism
an article that was nothing more than flag-waving
—often used before another noun
flag-waving rhetoric

Examples of flag-waving in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The summit, marked by pomp, flag-waving youths and a state dinner, also included statements from either side. — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 15 May 2026 Strait to Hell, a high-octane, flag-waving, boots-on-the-ground simulator where freedom isn’t debated, it’s deployed. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 11 May 2026 Wearing his formal red mozzetta cape, Leo thrilled the flag-waving masses by arriving at the presidential palace in his open-sided popemobile. — ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026 The team rolled into Lawrence after midnight on June 8, greeted by flag-waving fans who waited out thunderstorms just to watch the players arrive. — Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for flag-waving

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flag-waving was in 1892

Rhymes for flag-waving

See All Rhymes for flag-waving

Browse Nearby Words

flag-waver
flag-waving
flail
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flag-waving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flag-waving. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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