A **crescent** is a charge in the form of a stylised waxing or waning moon, with its horns turned to one side. The crescent has been associated with Islam since the late medieval period and figures on many flags of Muslim-majority states, often paired with one or more stars. In heraldry the crescent is also a mark of cadency for a second son.
**Example**: The white crescent and star on the red field of the flag of Turkey are the prototype of many subsequent designs across the Islamic world.
**See also**: [star](/glossary/star/), [charge](/glossary/charge/), [pan-arab-colors](/glossary/pan-arab-colors/), [tincture](/glossary/tincture/)