What does "flagship" mean?
The ship occupied by the fleet's commander (usually an admiral); it denotes this by flying his flag.
Flagship
/ˈflæɡʃɪp/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The ship occupied by the fleet's commander (usually an admiral); it denotes this by flying his flag.
- Grammar: flagship is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: command ship, cruiser, first rate, foremost.
- Useful contrasts: auxiliary ship, common, inferior.
- Usage evidence: We've destroyed the enemy flagship!
How to use "flagship"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "flagship" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "flagship" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "flagship" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "flagship" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "flagship" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "command ship" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "flagship", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The ship occupied by the fleet's commander (usually an admiral); it denotes this by flying his flag.
"After Russia’s flagship in the Black Sea, the Moskva, sank last week, the authorities said that the entire crew of more than 500 had been rescued."
- 2 the ship that carries the commander of a fleet and flies their flag wordnet
- 3 The ship regarded as most important out of a group, e.g. a nation's navy or company's fleet.
- 4 the chief one of a related group wordnet
- 5 The most important one out of a related group. attributive, broadly, often
"The retail company's store in London is their flagship."
Verb
- 1 To act as a flagship for.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"We've destroyed the enemy flagship!"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "flagship"?
Common synonyms include: command ship, cruiser, first rate, foremost, lead ship, leading.
How do you use "flagship" in a sentence?
We've destroyed the enemy flagship!
How do you pronounce "flagship"?
Pronounced /ˈflæɡʃɪp/.
Etymology
From flag + ship.