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

Nuts and seeds such as walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds are rich sources of these ALAs. —Kathleen Felton, Time, 9 June 2026

Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of chia or ground flax seeds to your smoothie or yogurt bowl. —Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 7 June 2026

Another travel must-have, this short-sleeve shirt has been compared to an Eileen Fisher style—except reviewers note that the Quince version isn’t transparent, thanks to its thick European flax linen. —Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2026

Linen fibers, which are derived from the flax plant, are naturally hypoallergenic, absorbent, and antibacterial, so all of us also looked for sheets without synthetic fibers to suit sleepers with sensitive skin. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 6 June 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