flag-station

A passenger waves a small flag at the flag-station to signal the approaching train.

Definition

Noun: - A flag-station is a railway station where trains stop only when signaled to do so, typically by a flag or other indicator. It is a minor station that is not a regular stopping point for all trains.

Usage Examples

• (The train halted only because a signal was given.)
• (Small, infrequently used stations that require a signal to stop.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be a flag-station": to function as a stop that is only used upon request.
  • The village station is a flag-station, so passengers must notify the guard in advance. (The station requires a signal to be used.)

Variants and Related Words

• Flag-stop (n): a synonym for flag-station, often used in American English.

  • The bus made a flag-stop at the crossroads. (The bus stopped only when hailed.)

• Flag (n): a piece of cloth used as a signal.

  • The railway worker raised a flag to signal the train to stop. (A physical signal used to indicate a stop.)

Synonyms

• Request stop: a place where public transport stops only if a passenger signals or requests it.
• Hail stop: a stop that requires a hand signal or flag to be used.

Related Idioms

• "to flag down": to signal someone to stop, especially a vehicle.
  • He flagged down a taxi on the busy street. (He signaled for a taxi to stop.)