flax

1 of 2

noun

ˈflaks 

often attributive

1

: any of a genus (Linum of the family Linaceae, the flax family) of herbs

especially : a slender erect annual (L. usitatissimum) with blue flowers commonly cultivated for its bast fiber and seed

2

: the fiber of the flax plant especially when prepared for spinning

3

: any of several plants resembling flax

flaxy

ˈflak-sē 

adjective

flaxy

2 of 2

adjective

ˈflaksē 

-er/-est

: resembling flax especially in texture : flaxen

Examples of flax in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Multigrain breads often combine several grains like wheat, oats, barley, or millet, with seeds like flax, sunflower, sesame, or pumpkin, but what’s key is whether those ingredients are listed as whole grains, Lorenz says. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 26 July 2026

The design, available in six standard sizes, is handwoven from 100% Belgian linen flax and features a cotton-linen reverse. — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2026

It’s stitched with a waffle-weave fabric in a warm, natural flax color, and its materials are breathable enough to stay cool all night in hot weather. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 11 July 2026

For a balanced smoothie, try blending fresh or frozen fruit, leafy greens, chia or flax seeds, and a protein source like Greek yogurt, soy milk, or protein powder. — Lindsey Desoto, Health, 23 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English fleax; akin to Old High German flahs flax, Latin plectere to braid — more at ply

Adjective

flax + -y

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for flax

• axe
• backs
• blacks
• cracks
• fax
• hacks
• jacks
• knacks
• lacks
• lakhs
• lax
• macs

Kids Definition

flax

noun

ˈflaks 

: a slender plant with blue flowers that is grown for its fiber from which linen is made and for its seed from which oil and livestock feed are obtained

also : its fiber