Inside maritime utilise, an ensign in a form of the flag is ordinarily flown at the stern of a ship or even boat to suggest its nationality. Ensigns might as well become flown from either a gaff of a ship, & can be shifted to the yardarm when the ship is afoot.

Within a few countries, like a United States of America and France, the national ensign is monovular to the national flag, while within others, like a United Kingdom and Japan, there are special national flags for marine utilise.

Around heraldry, an ensign is a ornament or even even even sign, like a crown, coronet or mitre, borne above the charge or arms.