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.
While the Royal Standard is never lowered to half-mast—the reason being that there is always a sovereign on the throne—the Union Jack can be lowered to half-staff, which is exactly what happened to honor Diana. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 28 July 2026 Traditionally, flags are flown at half-staff on the day of a senator’s death and the day following. — Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026 Once selected, state flags will be ordered to fly at half-staff on Nicholas's memorial date to honor his bravery and sacrifice. — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 13 July 2026 As Folarin Balogun’s left-footed poke tickled the back of the net to give the Americans a 1-0 lead just before halftime, beer can after beer can was lowered to half-staff. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 2 July 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 3 Aug. 2026.

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