flagman

noun

flag·​man ˈflag-mən How to pronounce flagman (audio)
: a person who signals with a flag

Examples of flagman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Current safety guidelines rely on communications and shared information between operators, rail operations controllers and, sometimes, flagmen posted on station platforms ahead of a work zone. Justin George, Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2023 Contractors, flagmen and message boards will be used when roads have to be closed temporarily. Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 7 May 2023 The current warning system is built on communication between controllers, operators and often flagmen. Justin George, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2023 She was booked on suspicion of negligently operating a vehicle resulting in serious bodily injury, and failure to obey a flagman. Kolbie Peterson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 31 Oct. 2022 The flagman’s job was to warn train operators to watch for work crews ahead who were replacing platforms and working on the line. Washington Post, 11 Nov. 2020 One flagman near Granger was found dead, and another man was found on the track unconscious and badly frozen. Chris Bianchi, The Denver Post, 1 Oct. 2019 Additionally, traffic control measures will be in place on site including traffic barrels, traffic cones, directional signage and flagmen. Community Report, Houston Chronicle, 5 Jan. 2018 Additionally, traffic control measures will be in place on site, including traffic barrels, traffic cones, directional signage and flagmen. Community Report, Houston Chronicle, 26 Oct. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flagman.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flagman was in 1832

Dictionary Entries Near flagman

Cite this Entry

“Flagman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flagman. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

flagman

noun
flag·​man ˈflag-mən How to pronounce flagman (audio)
: a person who signals with or as if with a flag
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