Definition

1. 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

1. the national flag of the United States of America