What Does the Word “Flagship” Mean and Where Did the Term For the Lead Ship Come From?

We often use the word flagship to indicate the most important or largest component or unit within an industrial complex or corporation.

This tendency derives from the navy where a flagship carried the admiral and flew his flag.

The admiral’s ship was the largest in the fleet, and just like today’s CEO, the admiral required larger quarters and rooms to conduct strategy meetings.

The head office of a company is often called the “flagship” of a corporation.