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

The linen blend, a combo of 55% European flax and 45% long staple cotton, is a more affordable alternative to the 100% linen option. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 26 Sep. 2025

Experts prefer ground flax, but recommend incorporating both into your diet for the best results. —Sarah Garone, Health, 24 Sep. 2025

At the same time, Western sanctions are squeezing Russia, forcing a return to 1990s-style barter as firms trade wheat and flax for Chinese cars and building materials. —David Kirichenko, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025

Close to the little patio is a deep red-black New Zealand flax. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 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