saltire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "saltire" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a heraldic symbol in the shape of a diagonal cross, often seen in flags and coats of arms. Example: "The flag of Scotland features a white saltire on a blue background, symbolizing the cross of St. Andrew."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A rain-drenched saltire hung limply on a flagpost in the backcourt.

The Guardian

Ed Miliband wrapping himself in a fricking saltire wasn't the moment when things really started to feel wrong.

The Guardian

As the fans streamed to the exits, one couple were wearily packing their saltire flag into a backpack.

The Guardian - Sport

Although variations of the Battle Flag pattern were numerous and widespread, the most-common design, known as the "Southern Cross," featured a blue saltire (diagonal cross), trimmed with white, with 13 white stars representing the 11 states of the Confederacy plus Missouri and Kentucky on a field of red.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The "three crowns" coinage with the saltire cross (the Fitzgerald arms) beside the shield came in with Edward IV and was continued by Richard III and Henry VII.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Anglican bishops in England place over their shield a mitre; but the bishop of Durham, as a bishop palatinate (bishop of a county whose lord had regal powers), has the mitre in a ducal coronet (a coronet decorated with three strawberry leaves), and behind his shield is a sword and crosier in saltire (diagonally crossed).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Archbishops have two crosiers in saltire behind the shield.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Behind the shield there are in saltire the episcopal crosier and patriarchal baton on one side and the patriarchal cross and doctoral baton on the other.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These days the square is quieter, the men and women draped in Saltire flags replaced by besuited office workers eating their lunch in the spring sunshine.

Independent

Until now Murray has remained tight-lipped on the referendum, unlike many other high-profile names, only stating that "he didn't like it" when Alex Salmond waved the Saltire flag behind David Cameron at Wimbledon.

Independent

The problem, of course, is the 45 per cent – the saltire army of the losers.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "saltire" when referring to the flag of Scotland, Saint Andrew's Cross.

Common error

Avoid using "saltire" interchangeably with other cross shapes, such as the Latin cross or the Greek cross. A "saltire" is specifically diagonal, while the others are vertical and horizontal.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "saltire" is as a noun. It denotes a specific geometric design in the shape of an X, often used in heraldry and flags. Ludwig provides examples of its use in describing the flag of Scotland and other flags incorporating this design.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

25%

Sport

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Academic

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "saltire" refers to a heraldic symbol in the shape of an X, most notably featured on the flag of Scotland (St. Andrew's Cross). As Ludwig AI indicates, the word is grammatically correct and frequently used. It's primarily found in news and media, encyclopedias, and sports contexts. When writing about flags or heraldry, use "saltire" to be precise. Avoid confusing it with other types of crosses. Alternatives include "St. Andrew's cross" and "diagonal cross". Understanding the correct usage ensures clarity and accuracy in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

St. Andrew's cross

Specifically refers to the saltire on the Scottish flag.

Heraldic saltire

Emphasizes the use of the saltire in heraldry.

Diagonal cross

Describes the geometric shape of a saltire.

Scottish flag

Refers to the flag of Scotland, which prominently features the saltire.

Flag of scotland

Another way to refer to the country flag.

Cross of Saint Patrick

Refers to a red saltire on a white field, an Irish symbol.

Southern cross flag

A flag featuring a blue saltire, historically used by the Confederacy.

Union jack

The flag of the United Kingdom, incorporating the saltire of Saint Andrew.

Crosswise symbol

A broader term for a diagonal cross.

Vexillological symbol

Highlights the saltire's use as a flag symbol.

FAQs

What is a "saltire"?

A "saltire" is a heraldic symbol in the shape of a diagonal cross, like the one found on the flag of Scotland, also known as the St. Andrew's Cross.

How is the "saltire" used?

The "saltire" is commonly used in flags, coats of arms, and other heraldic designs. It symbolizes St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, and is a key feature of the Scottish flag.

What is the difference between a "saltire" and other types of crosses?

A "saltire" is a diagonal cross, whereas a Latin cross has a vertical beam that is longer than its horizontal beam, and a Greek cross has beams of equal length that intersect at right angles.

Where does the term "saltire" come from?

The term "saltire" comes from the Old French word sautoir, derived from the Latin saltatorium, referring to a stile or a type of barrier, likely referencing the cross's shape.