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

Made with a unique blend of European flax linen, viscose, and elastane, these roomy pants tout even more comfort thanks to their stretchy fabric. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2025

The palette of this blanket can reappear throughout your space in smaller details that return to the throw—even a beige or natural flax set of bed sheets would feel referential here—making everything last thing look curated. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2025

On her laptop, a video played of a jolly British woman trying on all the yellow items in her closet—saffron, amber, daffodil, canary, flax. —Mona Awad, New Yorker, 20 July 2025

Some seeds, like chia and flax, also contain omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that support brain and heart health.6 Whole grains are another essential source of fiber. —Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 10 July 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