blue peter

noun

blue pe·​ter ˈblü-ˈpē-tər How to pronounce blue peter (audio)
: a blue signal flag with a white square in the center used to indicate that a merchant vessel is ready to sail

Word History

Etymology

probably from the name Peter

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of blue peter was in 1802

Dictionary Entries Near blue peter

Cite this Entry

“Blue peter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blue%20peter. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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