flax

noun, often attributive \ ˈflaks \

Definition of flax

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

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flaxy

play \ˈflak-sē\ adjective

See flax defined for English-language learners

See flax defined for kids

Recent Examples of flax from the Web

For those used to the sour flavors of herbs, the musky dustiness of Chinese herbs, and the flax-like flavor of hemp, this wasn’t so bad.

— christine muhlke, Bon Appetit, "The CBD Oil That's Giving Me a Better Night's Sleep," 19 Oct. 2017
Vegan and gluten-free, the muffin was more like quinoa-banana-coconut oil porridge bound with flax.

— chris morocco, Bon Appetit, "Inside Our Mad Quest To Make a Better Muffin," 20 Mar. 2017
The island’s biggest industry was once growing flax for the manufacture of rope, but St. Helena’s population of more than 4,000 people is now heavily dependent on British government support.

— Washington Post, "One of world’s most remote islands gets commercial flights," 14 Oct. 2017
Super-food additions to smoothies and bowls, such as flax or chia seeds, are 75 cents apiece.

— carol deptolla, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Vegan restaurant On the Bus open at Milwaukee Public Market," 29 Aug. 2017
LeVeque says a tablespoon of flax, chia seeds, or acacia fiber added to a morning smoothie promotes gut microbiomes.

— elizabeth varnell, Vogue, "The Healthiest Way to Make Your Morning Juice—Hold the Sugar," 15 July 2017
Out of six other taste testers, the items that stumped us the most were granolas (honey oat and blueberry flax) and agave syrup.

— alyse whitney, Bon Appetit, "All the Food at This Company Will Be $3 or Less," 11 July 2017
Santa Barbara’ Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha), ‘Rainbow Queen’ New Zealand flax (Phormium), ‘Furman’s Red’ sage (Salvia greggii) and ‘

— chris ross, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Thirsty yard gets WaterSmart makeover," 9 June 2017
In other words, chia seeds, flax, whey and all that.

— michael powell, New York Times, "Finding a Common Thread in the Al Jazeera Doping Report," 5 Jan. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'flax.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of flax

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

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FLAX Defined for English Language Learners

flax

noun

Definition of flax for English Language Learners

: a plant that has blue flowers and that is grown for its fiber and its seed
: the fiber of the flax plant

FLAX Defined for Kids

flax

noun \ ˈflaks \

Definition of flax for Students

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