Star-Spangled Banner
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Proper noun:
- The national flag of the United States of America: The official flag of the U.S., featuring thirteen alternating red and white stripes representing the original colonies and fifty white stars on a blue canton representing the current states.
- The national anthem of the United States of America: The title of the U.S. national anthem, a song whose lyrics were written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry.
Usage Examples
Proper noun (referring to the flag):
- The soldiers proudly raised the Star-Spangled Banner over the fort.
- Every government building flies the Star-Spangled Banner.
Proper noun (referring to the anthem):
- The crowd stood and sang The Star-Spangled Banner before the baseball game.
- She performed a beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner at the ceremony.
Advanced Usage
"under the Star-Spangled Banner": A phrase meaning under the authority or protection of the United States.
- They sought a new life under the Star-Spangled Banner.
As a symbol: The term is often used metonymically to represent the United States, its government, or its ideals.
- The athletes competed for the honor of the Star-Spangled Banner.
Variants and Related Words
- Star-Spangled (adj): Decorated or covered with stars.
- The star-spangled sky was breathtaking.
- Banner (n): A long strip of cloth bearing a slogan or design, often used as a standard or flag.
- The protesters carried a large banner.
Synonyms
- Old Glory: A common poetic nickname for the U.S. flag.
- The Stars and Stripes: Another common name for the U.S. flag.
- The Red, White, and Blue: A descriptive name for the U.S. flag based on its colors.
Related Phrases
- "by the dawn's early light": A famous line from the anthem's lyrics, often used poetically to refer to early morning.
- "the land of the free and the home of the brave": The concluding line of the anthem, used to refer to the United States and its values.
Noun
- the national flag of the United States of America