banderole

banderole

A colorful banderole flutters from the top of a tall ship's mast.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A long, narrow flag or banner: "banderole" refers to a small, elongated flag or streamer, often used for decoration or signaling, especially in nautical contexts.
    • A decorative ribbon or scroll: In heraldry or architecture, a "banderole" is a ribbon-like scroll bearing an inscription or emblem, typically depicted in art or on monuments.
    • A pennant on a lance: Historically, a "banderole" could be a small flag attached to a knight's lance or spear, used for identification or display.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The ship flew a banderole from the mast to signal its nationality. (A long, narrow flag used for identification at sea.)
    • The cathedral's façade featured a stone banderole with a Latin inscription. (A decorative scroll carved in stone.)
    • The knight carried a banderole on his lance during the tournament. (A small pennant attached to a weapon.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to unfurl a banderole": to open or display a long flag or banner.

    • The sailors unfurled the banderole as the ship entered the harbor. (They released the flag to show it.)

  • "banderole of victory": a ceremonial streamer used to celebrate a triumph.

    • The general's tent was adorned with a banderole of victory after the battle. (A decorative banner marking success.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Banderol (n): an alternative spelling of "banderole".

    • The banderol fluttered in the wind. (A variant form of the same word.)

  • Banderilla (n): a decorated dart used in bullfighting, related in form but not meaning.

    • The matador planted a banderilla in the bull's shoulder. (A different object, though sharing the root concept of a small flag-like item.)
Synonyms
  • Pennant: a long, narrow flag, often used in sports or naval contexts.
  • Streamer: a long, narrow strip of material used for decoration.
  • Banner: a larger flag or piece of cloth bearing a symbol or message.
Related Idioms
  • "carry the banderole": to bear a symbolic flag or lead a cause.
    • He carried the banderole for the protest march. (He held the banner representing the group's mission.)