half-staff

noun

ˈhaf-ˈstaf How to pronounce half-staff (audio)
ˈhäf-
: half-mast

Examples of half-staff 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.
When and why does the American flag fly at half-staff? — Darleene Powells, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026 To honor Pahira, Shapiro ordered the flags to fly at half-staff. — Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 1 July 2026 When the royal tragically died in a car crash about two months later, The Carlyle flew its flags at half-staff. — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026 The president of the United States may also order flags to be flown at half-staff after the death of a notable public figure. — Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for half-staff

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of half-staff was in 1800

Rhymes for half-staff

See All Rhymes for half-staff

Browse Nearby Words

half-space
half-staff
half step
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Half-staff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half-staff. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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