Vexillology is a word combining elements of the Latin vexillum (a Roman military standard) with the Greek –logia (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.
However, its meaning has since expanded 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.
