Meaning of flag carrier | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A person carrying a standard or flag, usually at sporting events and parades, previously on the battlefield.
2. A strong supporter of a cause, or perhaps the strongest and most visible supporter of said cause.
3. A transportation company, such as a shipping or airline company, that is registered in a given state.
4. A national airline (typically having the flag, or other national insignia, on the tail).
5. An aircraft carrier serving as a flagship.

Equivalents

Examples

“Bill was the flag carrier of the movement to improve inner city education.”

“I'll be interested to see how this service does. It will be basic with fares to match, so will be akin to a budget airline taking on a flag-carrier.”

CEFR level