noun

• A red flag with the Union Jack in the top corner next to the flagstaff, flown by British-registered ships.

  ‘As well as being the senior ensign of the King's ships, the red ensign was also worn by merchant ships.’

  More example sentences

  • ‘The use of special red ensigns with their badge in the fly has in the past been authorised for a number of yacht clubs, but it is now the policy not to extend this privilege, except in the most exceptional circumstances.’
  • ‘The idea of adding the EU's emblem to the red ensign was rejected in a vote in Strasbourg on tighter controls on maritime safety.’