banner
noun (countable)
UK/ˈbæn.ər/US/ˈbæn.ɚ/
A piece of cloth or similar material bearing a symbol, message, or slogan, displayed or carried to represent an organization, group, or cause; also used to describe a prominent headline in a newspaper or a large advertisement on a webpage.
Example Sentences
They carried a large banner across the protest grounds.
The newspaper’s front page featured a bold banner announcing the election results.
The team’s championship banner hung proudly in the school’s gym.
A colorful banner was strung across the street to welcome festival-goers.
He designed a striking banner for the charity event.
The website’s top banner advertised a big holiday sale.
The company’s marketing department created a vibrant banner ad, featuring captivating imagery and persuasive text that significantly boosted online engagement.
To celebrate the town’s anniversary, they displayed an enormous banner along the main road, drawing in tourists and adding a festive touch to the entire community.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A cloth or sign displaying information for promotion, identification, or celebration.“Banner” is used to describe a piece of fabric or material, often adorned with text, images, or symbols that convey a message. You might encounter banners at events like trade shows, parades, or ceremonies to highlight announcements or celebrations. In everyday conversation, you can say, “We hung a large banner to welcome our guests,” or “They used a colorful banner to advertise the sale.” In marketing, “banner ads” are commonly displayed on websites or social media platforms to catch attention. When writing, “banner” can be used both literally (“a banner stretched across the street”) and figuratively (“the campaign was carried out under the banner of freedom”). This means it can denote not just a physical sign but also a unifying cause or principle. Whether you’re describing physical decorations, webpage elements, or symbolic representations, “banner” is a straightforward way to indicate an eye-catching identifier that sets the tone or theme for an occasion or message. Choose the term carefully to convey visibility, importance, and solidarity in contexts ranging from everyday conversation to professional presentations.
Alternatives
Alternative words and phrases that can be used in place of “banner” include “flag,” “placard,” “poster,” “billboard,” and “streamer,” each carrying slightly different nuances and uses. A “flag” typically symbolizes nationality or is used to represent an organization, and it often implies a rectangular piece of cloth attached to a pole. A “placard” more closely conveys a sign or notice displayed publicly for advertisement or demonstration. Meanwhile, a “poster” is generally a printed sheet of paper posted on walls or boards, often used for advertising or public announcements. “Billboard” refers to a large outdoor board for displaying advertisements, and it is typically placed in high-visibility areas like highways or city centers. Lastly, “streamer” is often a long, narrow strip of fabric or paper, commonly used as a decorative element at parties or gatherings. Depending on the scenario, these alternatives can help you capture the right shade of meaning. For instance, if you want to emphasize public demonstration, “placard” might be ideal, whereas “flag” can denote national or organizational significance. By choosing different words based on context, you ensure clarity and precision in both casual and formal communications.
Writing
When writing about banners, clarity and context are essential. First, specify the type of banner and its purpose: is it for a celebration, an advertisement, or a symbolic demonstration of unity? Incorporate details about size, design, and placement to give your reader a vivid image of its visual impact. Descriptive language such as “bold lettering,” “vibrant colors,” or “large-scale typography” can help bring the banner to life in the reader’s mind. Avoid overusing synonyms; instead, stick with consistent, clear terminology to maintain focus. If you’re explaining a banner’s significance, you might highlight its historical roots, its symbolic message, or its function as a rallying point for a campaign. In more technical or instructional writing, describe how to create, display, or maintain the banner. By balancing description with purpose, you can effectively illustrate how banners transform ordinary spaces into engaging, message-driven environments, giving readers a clear understanding of both the practical and symbolic roles banners play.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, you can talk about banners to describe decorations, signs, or announcements you see around town, online, or at events. If you recently visited a festival, for example, you might say, “They had a huge banner hanging over the entrance saying ‘Welcome!’” When catching up with a friend about a work function, mention, “We used a digital banner for our online event advertisement.” This helps them visualize the scale and format of your announcements. Banners can also be a topic of casual interest: “Did you notice the bright banner they put up for the new store opening?” or “I love how the banner matched the party theme.” Whether in person or on social media, referring to banners can keep conversations lively and focused on the visual elements that give character to events, storefronts, or online spaces. By naturally including the term “banner,” you highlight colorful or attention-grabbing moments in day-to-day life.
Etymology
The word “banner” traces its origins back to Middle English, stemming from the Old French term “banere.” The root itself can be connected to Late Latin “bandum,” which signifies a flag or standard, often used by armies or militias to rally their troops or demarcate territory. Historically, banners played significant roles in medieval warfare, as they were carried into battles to symbolize unity and belonging under a specific lord or monarch. Over time, their function expanded beyond military connotations and took on ceremonial, promotional, and decorative uses. Today, banners can be seen in parades, protests, celebrations, and even digital contexts, such as online advertisements or website headers. Their evolution reflects the shifting nature of communication, from showing allegiance in medieval times to spreading messages, advertisements, and branding in the modern era. By understanding the historical significance of banners, we see how a simple piece of fabric or its modern digital counterpart can carry such weighty meaning and tradition.