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

Those calls grew louder when China flexed its muscles last year by stepping up curbs on exports of rare earth minerals, and later temporarily halted exports of Nexperia semiconductors, alarming the German auto sector.

From Barron's

Not since Usain Bolt thumped his chest before crossing the finish line of the 100-meter dash have the Olympics seen such a brazen and ostentatious flex.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I don’t think I broke anything,” Jonathan said, as he slowly flexed his arms and legs.

From Literature

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

Related Words

• lean
• tighten
• tilt