Jolly Roger

Pronunciation: /ˈdʒɑli ˈrɑdʒər/

Definitions of Jolly Roger

noun a pirate flag

Example Sentences

A1 The Jolly Roger is a pirate flag with a skull and crossbones.

A2 The sailors were terrified when they saw the Jolly Roger flying on the enemy ship.

B1 The Jolly Roger was a symbol of fear and danger on the high seas.

B2 The captain hoisted the Jolly Roger to signal to other pirates that they were ready to attack.

C1 The Jolly Roger fluttered in the wind as the pirate ship approached its target.

C2 The Jolly Roger was a menacing sight as it flew atop the pirate ship, striking fear into the hearts of all who saw it.

Examples of Jolly Roger in a Sentence

formal The Jolly Roger is a traditional pirate flag featuring a skull and crossbones.

informal We spotted the Jolly Roger flying high on the ship, so we knew pirates were nearby.

slang The crew raised the Jolly Roger before raiding the enemy ship.

figurative Hoisting the Jolly Roger symbolizes a declaration of war in the pirate world.

Grammatical Forms of Jolly Roger

• past tense: Jolly Rogered
• plural: Jolly Rogers
• comparative: more Jolly Roger
• superlative: most Jolly Roger
• present tense: Jolly Rogers
• future tense: will Jolly Roger
• perfect tense: have Jolly Rogered
• continuous tense: is Jolly Rogering
• singular: Jolly Roger
• positive degree: Jolly Roger
• infinitive: to Jolly Roger
• gerund: Jolly Rogering
• participle: Jolly Rogered

Origin and Evolution of Jolly Roger

First Known Use: 1724 year

Language of Origin: French

Story behind the word: The term 'Jolly Roger' is believed to have originated from the French phrase 'joli rouge' meaning 'pretty red', referring to the red flags used by French pirates in the 17th century.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'Jolly Roger' came to refer specifically to the black flags adorned with white skull and crossbones that were used by pirates to instill fear in their victims.