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

Ground flax makes an excellent addition to pancakes, French toast, and other baking mixes; cereal, yogurt, and smoothies; and soups, salads, and pasta dishes (not to mention oatmeal, according to Dada). —Caroline Tien, SELF, 12 June 2025

For a more rustic look, consider the flax colorway. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 26 Apr. 2025

Parachute’s linen pieces are crafted from a blend of tencel lyocell, known for its breathable and moisture-wicking properties, and European flax linen fibers that provided the relaxed look of traditional linen bedding. —Maggie Horton, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes multiple daily servings of fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains, legumes, olive oil, seafood, and nuts and seeds, such as chia, flax, pumpkin and sesame. —Linda Carroll, NBC news, 2 June 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