code flag

7.1

A flag used to send messages between ships

noun
/koʊd flæɡ/

Specialized

: bandera de señal

Each code flag in the set represents a different letter or message.

Examples

The ship hoisted the code flag to indicate a change in course.
During naval exercises, various code flags were displayed to signal maneuvers.
The ship raised a code flag to signal its arrival.
He saw a code flag flying on the vessel.
During naval exercises, various code flags were displayed to signal maneuvers.
Each code flag in the set represents a different letter or message.
The ship hoisted the code flag to indicate a change in course.

Synonyms

signal flag

vscode flag

Specialized

1 3.8

A rectangular piece of cloth ships use to send short messages

is reserved for use within a formal international system between ships

nautical signal flag

vscode flag

Specialized

6.7

A flag sailors use to send messages between ships at sea

is used to communicate between ships and not only at sea

Surface Forms

code flag singular

code flags plural

Morphology

code + flag

The meaning is directly compositional: 'code' (a system of signals) combined with 'flag' (a piece of cloth) yields a flag used as part of a signaling code. A B1 learner who knows both words can infer it refers to a flag used for coded communication (e.g., between ships), so the construction is transparently derivable from its constituents.

Etymology

Code flag comes from the practice of ships raising a small flag to stand for a code letter; sailors would show different flags to spell a 'message'. That's why a code flag means a flag used to send signals between ships.