English Reference
noun · adjective · verb

banner

n. · adj. · v.
US /ˈbænɝ/ UK /bˈænɐ/ ban·ner UK spelling banner's, banner's

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.a long piece of cloth or paper with a message or design, often carried in a parade or hung in a public place.

    n.a large strip of cloth or other material bearing a slogan, design, or emblem, typically carried in a procession or suspended in a conspicuous location.

    Simple

    The protesters carried a large banner that said 'Save Our Park' through the city streets.

    In context

    The university hung a celebratory banner across the main entrance to welcome the returning alumni for the centennial gala.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

    n.an advertisement that appears across the top or side of a webpage.

    n.a rectangular graphic advertisement on a website or television screen, typically linking to the advertiser's site.

    Simple

    I found the website difficult to read because there were too many flashing banners.

    In context

    The marketing department decided to allocate more budget to banner ads on high-traffic news portals to increase brand visibility.

    addisplay ad
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Literary

    n.a set of ideas or a goal that a group of people supports.

    n.a figurative representation of a cause, principle, or movement under which people are united.

    Simple

    Many different groups joined together under the banner of environmental protection.

    In context

    The diverse coalition campaigned under the banner of educational reform, despite their differing views on fiscal policy.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical

    n.the name of a newspaper printed in large letters at the top of the front page.

    n.the title of a periodical printed in large type across the top of the front page.

    Simple

    The newspaper's banner was printed in bold red ink for the special edition.

    In context

    The editor decided to change the font of the front-page banner to give the publication a more modern aesthetic.

    mastheadnameplateheadline
  5. 05 C1 Advanced American English

    adj.describes a year or period that is very successful or excellent.

    adj.distinguished by great success or production; exceptional.

    Simple

    The company had a banner year and made record profits.

    In context

    Following a banner season for the agricultural sector, local farmers invested heavily in new machinery and infrastructure.

    Usage

    Almost always used to modify nouns like 'year', 'season', or 'month'.

    outstandingexceptionalrecord breaking
  6. 06 C2 Proficiency LiteraryFormal

    v.to decorate a place with banners or to put a large headline on a story.

    v.to adorn with banners or to report a news story with a prominent headline.

    Simple

    The streets were bannered with bright colors for the summer festival.

    In context

    The national newspapers bannered the news of the peace treaty across their front pages.

The protesters held up Spanish flags and banners reading, “We don’t want to go back to Morocco” and “We are also human”, while chanting slogans such as “We’re tired” or “We need a solution”.

Al Jazeera· 16 Aug 2026

Fifa’s disciplinary code ­prohibits “using a sports event for ­demonstrations of a non-sporting nature” and the banner prompted political debate on both sides of the ­Atlantic.

The Guardian· 29 Jul 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated