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 side is handwoven from 100% Belgian flax, while the reverse fabric is made up of a cotton-linen blend that meets the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certification. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Nov. 2025

Testers praised its hard-charging feel, mid-stiff paulownia core, and responsive carbon–flax layup, noting that its damp, confidence-boosting flex pushes you to ride harder without ever feeling maxed out. —Jenny Wiegand, Outside, 19 Nov. 2025

Don't rely on flax to do the conversion work your body struggles with. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 13 Nov. 2025

Live stalks of millet, flax, and club wheat are accented with real pheasant leaves in this Thanksgiving-appropriate arrangement. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 11 Nov. 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