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

Lint from natural fibers like cotton, linen, and flax can be added directly to your compost pile. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 3 Feb. 2026

Babolat is moving the flax around within the frame to produce specific feel properties for different types of players. —Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026

It’s made of 100-percent Belgian flax linen and reverses to a blend of linen and Oeko-Tex Certified cotton. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 17 Jan. 2026

Best Bedding Deals There’s no shortage of cozy quilts available at Pottery Barn’s online Outlet, including a scalloped one in trending plum ($99 off) and a Belgian flax linen option in warm gray ($174 off). —Quincy Bulin, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Jan. 2026

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