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

Because for all the good vibes now, what Hoyer does this season could mean the difference between being happy about winning the Central with 90 wins and thinking seriously about playing for a pennant. —Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025

The New York Yankees are off to a good start in their quest to defend their American League pennant, sitting atop the AL East before Wednesday's game against the Kansas City Royals. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025

The Mets have not won a pennant since 2015 or a World Series since 1986. —Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025

In 1965, Oliva won his second batting title with a .321 average, finished second in MVP voting, and led the Twins to the AL pennant. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

alteration of pendant

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for pennant

• tenant
• cotenant
• lieutenant
• subtenant

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