flue

noun

: an enclosed passageway for directing a current: such as
a
: a channel in a chimney for conveying flame and smoke to the outer air
b
: a pipe for conveying flame and hot gases around or through water in a steam boiler
c
: an air channel leading to the lip of a wind instrument
d

Examples of flue in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the couple didn’t buy for the archaeological finds, which also showed up behind fireplace flues. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 7 Oct. 2025 The flue gases leaving these facilities contain 3-15% CO2 by volume. Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2025 Excavators also found the remnants of Roman building materials, including ceramic roofing, painted wall plaster and box flue tiles. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2025 Make sure the fireplace flue is open before lighting it. Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for flue

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flue was in 1582

Cite this Entry

“Flue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flue. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

flue

noun
: an enclosed passageway for directing a current
especially : a channel in a chimney for carrying flame and smoke to the outer air

More from Merriam-Webster on flue

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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