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

Try chia seeds, flax seeds, and oatmeal, Azzaro advises. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 2 Mar. 2026

Another famous weed arrived in California and throughout the West, thanks to Russian flax farmers who settled in South Dakota in the 1870s. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 Feb. 2026

The European flax bedding comes embellished with a crocheted seam just above the ruffled edge and looks like it was plucked right out of a Victorian trousseau. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 28 Feb. 2026

Almonds, chestnuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, chia, and flax are rich in magnesium and omega-3s, helping to support nervous-system and hormonal balance. —Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 24 Feb. 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