What is the term for the free-flying side of the flag?

The term for the free-flying side of the flag is "fly." This refers to the portion of the flag that is furthest from the flagpole and is not attached to it, allowing the flag to wave freely in the wind. The fly is an essential part of flag design because it influences how a flag displays its colors and design when unfurled.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different aspects of a flag: the hoist is the part of the flag that is attached to the flagpole; the canton typically refers to a specific design element or section of a flag, often found in the upper corner; and the ground is not a term typically used in flag terminology. Understanding these distinctions helps in identifying the anatomy of flags and their proper usage.