pennant

noun

pen·​nant ˈpe-nənt 

1

a

: any of various nautical flags tapering usually to a point or swallowtail and used for identification or signaling

b

: a flag or banner longer in the fly than in the hoist

especially : one that tapers to a point

2

: a flag emblematic of championship (as in a professional baseball league)

also : the championship itself

Synonyms

• banderole
• banderol
• banner
• colors
• ensign
• flag
• guidon
• jack
• pendant [chiefly British]
• pendent
• pennon
• standard
• streamer

Examples of pennant in a Sentence

pennants waving atop the tower

The Red Sox won the American League pennant in 2004.

Recent Examples on the Web

The team claimed the National League pennant and won the 2016 World Series in one of the most thrilling series of this generation. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2024

The following 30 years would see Brooklyn win the NL pennant a further four times. —Jamie Barton, CNN, 24 Oct. 2024

And lots more: 50-50 flags ($47.99), 50-50 water bottles ($34.99); 50-50 vinyl figure sets ($29.99); 50-50 towels ($27.99); 50-50 signs ($15.99), 50-50 pennants ($13.99) and three options for 50-50 silver coins ($99.99). —Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2024

Although the selection committee could have named more managers, umpires, and executives, only Donaldson and Harris, who managed the Homestead Grays to seven pennants, were chosen for the Class of 2025 ballot. —Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

alteration of pendant

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

pennant

noun

pen·​nant ˈpen-ənt 

1

: a flag with a usually tapering or forked tail that is used especially for signaling

2

: a flag that serves as the emblem of championship