flirt

verb

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\ ˈflərt

flirted; flirting; flirts

Definition of flirt

(Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to move erratically : flit butterflies flirting among the flowers

2a : to behave amorously without serious intent He flirts with every attractive woman he meets.

b : to show superficial or casual interest or liking flirted with the idea also : experiment a novelist flirting with poetry

3 : to come close to reaching or experiencing something —used with with flirting with disaster

transitive verb

1 : flick They flirt water at each other's faces.

2 : to move in a jerky manner a bird flirting its tail

flirt

noun

Definition of flirt (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : an act or instance of flirting

2 : a person who flirts

Other Words from flirt Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More About flirt

Other Words from flirt

Verb

flirtation \ ˌflər-ˈtā-shən

\ noun

flirter noun

flirty \ ˈflər-tē

\ adjective

Synonyms for flirt

Synonyms: Verb

Synonyms: Noun

Choose the Right Synonym for flirt

Verb

trifle, toy, dally, flirt, coquet mean to deal with or act toward without serious purpose. trifle may imply playfulness, unconcern, indulgent contempt. to trifle with a lover's feelings toy implies acting without full attention or serious exertion of one's powers. a political novice toying with great issues dally suggests indulging in thoughts or plans merely as an amusement. dallying with the idea of building a boat someday flirt implies an interest or attention that soon passes to another object. flirted with one fashionable ism after another coquet implies attracting interest or admiration without serious intention. companies that coquet with environmentalism solely for public relations

Examples of flirt in a Sentence

Verb They were flirting all night. the servers at that restaurant flirt with all the customers Noun he's just a harmless flirt, so don't take him seriously

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Many of them, think Killing Zoe, The Boondock Saints or Suicide Kings, flirt with ironic detachment, missing that Tarantino’s crime flicks are dramas featuring funny characters rather than outright comedies. — Scott Mendelson, Forbes, 4 Aug. 2022 In the last month of summer before high school begins, an impressionable 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy learns what his family can’t teach him: how to skate, how to flirt and how to love your mom. — Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Aug. 2022 In the last month of summer before high school begins, an impressionable thirteen-year-old Taiwanese American boy learns what his family can’t teach him: how to skate, how to flirt and how to love your mom. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 3 Aug. 2022 But even Pence’s allies flirt with election conspiracy theories. — Erin B. Logan, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2022 Later, after Anne plays a desperate game of musical chairs to avoid sitting next to him at dinner, Louisa plops down beside Wentworth, an excellent position from which to flirt. — Lauren Puckett-pope, ELLE, 16 July 2022 The pros often post final, four-day scores that flirt with (or exceed) 20 under par—an indication of the layout’s player-friendly design—but that only adds to its charm for the average golfer. — Shaun Tolson, Robb Report, 2 July 2022 Any cooling is relative, as highs flirt with 100 degrees (38 Celsius) through Saturday. — Ian Livingston, Washington Post, 16 June 2022 Still, as markets flirt with bear territory — when a major index falls 20% or more from a recent high — some technical analysts don't think there's too much to worry about. — Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 23 May 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Between the goddess and her nymphs, bathing in the sacred grotto, lives the premise of chastity even as the nymphs flirt in their eloquent poses. — Claudia Rankine, Harper’s Magazine , 20 July 2022 Kevin, who shows more academic potential than his pals and likes to flirt, lives with his mother, Nina, her wife, Dre, and his sister, Keisha. — Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2022 The two flirt over popsicles and steal kisses during late-night heart-to-hearts, while her lawyer fiancé (Raúl Castillo) is away. — Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 17 June 2022 Capitalize on that Essex charm, and flirt… with everyone. — Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 3 June 2022 West Elm staples flirt with antique collector's items, like Jackie O.'s childhood side chair. — Hadley Mendelsohn, House Beautiful, 31 May 2022 Adults flirt, couples kiss, and two women are expecting a baby and planning to get married. — Common Sense Media, Washington Post, 20 May 2022 His party-boy energy borders on the maniacal, and his club-ready rhythms flirt with the bizarre. — Billboard Staff, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2022 While this energy is sweet and romantic, as an air sign and an epic flirt, Libras can be a bit flaky. — Sophie Saint Thomas, Allure, 25 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'flirt.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.