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

They are made of a high-quality cotton and flax material and have a waterproof coating on the interior for easy cleaning. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026

The flax cultivation is powered entirely by rainfall, and refined through a 100 percent mechanical extraction, zero-waste process. —Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 23 Mar. 2026

Just 90 calories per 21 pieces, this white chocolate and strawberry snack is made with chia, quinoa, and flax. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026

Hyde Lane’s European flax linen set offers optimal airflow and features a classic box-stitch design that prevents the filling from shifting. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 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