* Noun: This is the most common use, referring to:
* A flag: "The ship flew the American ensign."
* A rank in the military: "He was promoted to ensign in the Navy."
* Adjective: This is less common but still possible, meaning:
* Marked with a flag: "The ensign village was easy to find."
Let me know if you have a specific sentence in mind, and I can help you identify the part of speech more precisely!