Editing Flag (section)

{{short description|Piece of fabric with a distinctive design and colours}}
{{other uses}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{EngvarB|date=December 2018}}
[[File:United Nations Flags - cropped.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.25|[[United Nations]] members' [[national flag]]s]]
[[File:Lenini mäetipp (J. Künnap).jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.25|Setting up a flag could also possess the meaning of conquering something. [[Jaan Künnap]] with the [[flag of Estonia]] at the top of [[Lenin Peak]] ({{convert|7134|m|abbr=in|disp=sqbr}}) in 1989.]]

A '''flag''' is a piece of [[textile|fabric]] (most often rectangular) with distinctive colours and design. It is used as a [[symbol]], a [[signalling]] device, or for decoration. The term ''flag'' is also used to refer to the [[graphic design]] employed, and flags have evolved into a general tool for rudimentary signalling and identification, especially in environments where communication is challenging (such as the [[Maritime flag|maritime environment]], where [[Flag semaphore|semaphore]] is used). Many flags fall into groups of similar designs called [[flag families]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Znamierowski |first=Alfred |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OwueMQEACAAJ |title=The World Encyclopedia of Flags: The Definitive Guide to International Flags, Banners, Standards and Ensigns, with Over 1400 Illustration |date=2013 |publisher=Lorenz Books |isbn=978-0-7548-2629-3 |pages=100–129 |language=en}}</ref> The study of flags is known as "[[vexillology]]" from the [[Latin]] {{Lang|la|vexillum}}, meaning "flag" or "[[banner]]".

[[National flag]]s are [[patriotic]] symbols with widely varied interpretations that often include strong [[military]] associations because of their original and ongoing use for that purpose. Flags are also used in [[messaging]], [[advertising]], or for [[decorative]] purposes.

Some military units are called "flags" after their use of flags. A ''flag'' (Arabic: {{Lang|ar|لواء|italic=no}}) is equivalent to a [[brigade]] in Arab countries. In Spain, a ''flag'' (Spanish: ''{{Lang|es|bandera}}'') is a [[battalion]]-equivalent in the [[Spanish Legion]].{{cn|date=December 2023}}