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

In 2025, an addition like Flaherty could help Bobby Witt Jr. and company win the American League pennant. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025

Hot-air balloons float in the distance, trees sway in the breeze, and pennant flags in the transgender-pride colors wave overhead. —Daniel Foster, National Review, 23 Jan. 2025

Then, soon after the earthquake, the young star led Kobe's team to a Pacific League pennant and a Japan Series title. —Becky Sullivan, NPR, 22 Jan. 2025

The 2001 Yankees lost in seven games to the Diamondbacks, and the 2009 Phillies won the pennant only to lose to the Yankees in six games. —Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025

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