Vexillology is a word that combines elements of Latin and Greek.
A vexillum is a Roman military standard, while the Greek suffix –logia means study.
US vexillologist Whitney Smith coined the term in the late 1950s.
He used it to describe the scientific study of flags – their types, forms, history, symbolism and functions – and the development of a body of related knowledge, theories and principles.
Its meaning has since expanded, however, to include any interest in flags more generally.
By extension a student of flags is a vexillologist; the art of flag design is vexillography, while a flag designer is a vexillographer.
