flag of convenience

noun phrase

: registry of a merchant ship under a foreign flag in order to profit from less restrictive regulations

Examples of flag of convenience in a Sentence

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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.
Their operational hallmarks include automatic identification system blackouts, false position broadcasting, ship-to-ship transfers of goods, flags of convenience, and frequent reflagging and renaming. — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 But security experts say the name may be a flag of convenience rather than a coherent group, and its claims should be treated with caution. — Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026 Some security experts say Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia is likely a flag of convenience rather than a coherent group, and its claims should be treated with caution. — ABC News, 19 Apr. 2026 The five tankers that have been recorded crossing the Strait of Hormuz are all sailing under flags of convenience and are owned by companies based in India, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey. — CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flag of convenience

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flag of convenience was in 1956

Rhymes for flag of convenience

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Browse Nearby Words

flagman
flag of convenience
flag officer
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Cite this Entry

“Flag of convenience.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flag%20of%20convenience. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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