Stars and Stripes

noun

plural in form but singular in construction
: the flag of the United States having 13 alternately red and white horizontal stripes and a blue union with white stars representing the states

Examples of Stars and Stripes in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Stars and Stripes has had a decades-long record of editorial independence. — Liam Reilly, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Patton threatened to ban Stars and Stripes, but Eisenhower defended the paper as more of a support for morale than a threat. — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026 Stars and Stripes originally reported that one sailor was airlifted from the ship. — Steve Walsh, NPR, 17 Mar. 2026 Stars and Stripes reported that the aircraft carrier, which returned to its home port on October 18, resumed its patrol. — Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Stars and Stripes

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Stars and Stripes was in 1809

Rhymes for Stars and Stripes

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Browse Nearby Words

Stars and Bars
Stars and Stripes
star sapphire
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stars and Stripes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Stars%20and%20Stripes. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Stars and Stripes

singular or plural noun
: the flag of the U.S.

More from Merriam-Webster on Stars and Stripes

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Stars and Stripes

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