flax

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

Examples of flax in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Shop our favorites for up to 60 percent off, including Belgian and European flax linen duvet covers and the Monique Lhuillier Olive Orchard with tencel fabric that’s even more breathable than cotton. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 13 July 2025

Parachute Relaxed Linen Sheet Set Pair your new quilt with matching sheets made of airy natural flax and premium cotton fabrics. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2025

Most of the flax fields and other low spots were flooded. —Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 26 June 2025

And, here’s a fun fact: Humans have been growing the flax plant for thousands of years for its seeds, oil, and fibers; your favorite linen shirts are actually made from its fibrous stems. —Christina Pérez, Vogue, 29 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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