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

Eating flax seeds regularly has been linked with improved cholesterol. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 20 Oct. 2025

The Belgian flax linen fabric is also filled with polyester batting for extra insulation on fall nights. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025

For the Prince and Princess of Wales’ tour of Mallon Farm, a flax farm in County Tyrone, Middleton opted for rustic layered pieces with muted grays, browns and greens. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025

Many women did so, forswearing British wares, spinning flax on town greens, and swapping handwritten patriotic verse while drinking herbal-tea substitutes. —Jane Kamensky, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 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