ENGLISH
REFERENCE

flagship

n. · v.
US //ˈfɫæɡˌʃɪp// UK //flˈæɡʃɪp// flag·ship
  1. 1 most important product or store (n.)
    C1 Advanced General-service

    the best, most important, or most famous thing that a company or group owns.

    the finest, largest, or most significant item in a series or collection, often used to represent the brand's identity.

    Example

    The company is opening its new flagship store in the center of London next month.

    Example

    The smartphone manufacturer launched its flagship model last night, boasting a revolutionary camera system designed to outperform all competitors in the premium market.

  2. 2 commander's ship (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    the ship in a fleet that carries the commanding officer and flies their flag.

    the vessel in a naval fleet that carries the admiral or commander; it serves as the tactical and symbolic lead of the group.

    Example

    The admiral stood on the deck of the flagship as the fleet entered the harbor.

    Example

    The flagship sustained heavy damage during the initial engagement, forcing the command staff to transfer their operations to a secondary cruiser.

    • lead ship
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  1. 3 to lead or represent (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal

    to be the main example of something or to lead a group of things.

    to serve as the primary representative or leading element of a larger project or organization.

    Example

    This new environmental project will flagship the city's green initiative.

    Example

    The university hopes that the new research center will flagship its expansion into biotechnology over the next decade.

Origin

From flag + ship.

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