What does pennon mean?
A pennon is a small flag, particularly one with a triangular shape, carried on a pole, lance, or similar staff. Its name also has a long-established heraldic application: a narrow streamer that tapers toward one or more divided ends and is traditionally shown attached to a lance. The word can be used broadly for a lightweight flag that flutters prominently in the wind, especially in historical, literary, or ceremonial contexts. Modern speakers would usually choose the more familiar words “flag,” “banner,” or “pennant” in everyday speech, while “pennon” remains useful when its particular shape or heraldic function matters. The term also has an appealing linguistic history, since it ultimately relates to the Latin word penna, “feather,” an apt image for a flag made to ripple and flutter in the breeze.
nounA flag or banner, especially a small triangular flag carried on a pole or attached to a lance. In heraldry, a pennon is a narrow streamer with a forked or divided tail.
- A small triangular flag or banner mounted on a pole or lance.
- A narrow, often forked heraldic streamer tapering to one or more points.
"A red pennon snapped above the gate as the riders approached."
"The scout raised his pennon to signal the advance."
"A blue-and-gold pennon streamed from the ceremonial lance."
The standard plural of pennon.
"Rows of pennons decorated the tournament field."
From Latin penna, meaning “feather,” a pennon began as a light object designed to flutter in the wind.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pennon come from?
The word entered Middle English from Anglo-French and Old French forms of pennon, denoting a flag or streamer. Its ultimate root is Latin penna, “feather,” through a late Latin development associated with a banner or flag. The same Latin root also underlies words such as pennate and pennaceous.
How pennon is actually used
The word is literary and historical in general use but remains established in heraldry and in descriptions of traditional military banners. It is less common in modern English than the general terms “flag” and “banner.”
Easily confused with pennon
A pennant is commonly a long, narrow flag or a flag awarded as a sports championship, whereas a pennon is more specifically a small flag or a forked heraldic streamer.