flex

¹ American  

[fleks] / flɛks /

adjective

1. Informal. flexible.

   a flex program of workers' benefits.

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flex- ² American  

Also flexi-.

1. a combining form representing flexible in compound words.

   flextime.

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flex ³ American  

[fleks] / flɛks /

verb (used with object)

1. to bend, as a part of the body.

   He flexed his arms to show off his muscles.

2. to tighten (a muscle) by contraction.

3. to demonstrate (one’s ability, expertise, etc.).

   She’s flexed her marketing skills for various clients in the publishing industry.

4. Slang. to boast or brag about; flaunt.

   He’s just not into flexing his success.

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verb (used without object)

1. to bend.

2. Slang. to boast or brag; show off.

   In his rap lyrics he flexes about his fancy lifestyle.

noun

1. the act of flexing.

2. Slang. a boast or brag.

   It's not a flex, but we have the best burgers here.

3. British.

   1. any flexible, insulated electric cord; an electric cord or extension cord.

   2. Slang. an elastic band, as a garter.

4. Mathematics. an inflection point.

verb phrase

1. flex on to brag or show off to; assert one’s dominance or superiority over.

   She’s flexing on her haters by posting new photos of her beautiful family.

flex British  

/ flɛks /

noun

1. US and Canadian name: cord.  a flexible insulated electric cable, used esp to connect appliances to mains

2. informal flexibility or pliability

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verb

1. to bend or be bent

   he flexed his arm

   his arm flexed

2. to contract (a muscle) or (of a muscle) to contract

3. (intr) to work according to flexitime

4. to test or display (one's authority or strength)

Usage

What else does flex mean? Flex is a slang term meaning "to show off," whether it be your physique, your belongings, or some other thing you consider superior to those of others. The act of flexing is often criticized as a power move, considered arrogant and insincere.

Etymology

Origin of flex¹

Shortening of flexible

Origin of flex¹

First recorded in 1515–25; (adjective) from Latin flexus, past participle of flectere “to bend, turn”; (noun) from Latin flexus act of bending, equivalent to flect(ere) + -tus suffix of verbal action

Example Sentences

Nestled within the broader financial sector, the group is flexing its muscles.

From Barron's

He flexed his right arm, slapping at his biceps.

From Literature

It was ridiculous and unfair, he thought, not to tell him, and he flexed his feet in his shoes.

From Literature

Premier League clubs have flexed their muscle on and off the field in Europe, with five English sides finishing in the top eight of the Champions League group phase.

From Barron's

"To click, I use a flex sensor attached to my toe," said Li from his home in Shiping village, near the southwestern city of Chongqing.

From Barron's

Related Words

• lean
• tighten
• tilt