flaming

American  

[fley-ming] / ˈfleɪ mɪŋ /

adjective

1. emitting flames; blazing; burning; fiery.

2. like a flame in brilliance, heat, or shape.

3. intensely ardent or passionate.

   flaming youth.

4. Informal. (used as an intensifier).

   What a flaming idiot!

5. Informal: Usually Disparaging and Offensive. (especially of a man) blatantly gay.

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flaming British  

/ ˈfleɪmɪŋ /

adjective

1. burning with or emitting flames

2. glowing brightly; brilliant

3. intense or ardent; vehement; passionate

   a flaming temper

4. informal (intensifier)

   you flaming idiot

5. an obsolete word for flagrant

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Other Word Forms

• flamingly adverb
• unflaming adjective

Etymology

Origin of flaming

First recorded in 1350–1400, flaming is from the Middle English word flammande; flame , -ing ²

Example Sentences

Next best thing: Meteors flaming across the sky during the August 12-13 Perseid shower peak promise the brightest show in years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Air traffic control’s communications came alive with surprised pilots who saw the accident, some of whom took photos and shot videos of the flaming streaks in the sky:

From Salon • Jan. 12, 2026

Thousands of people, some dressed as Vikings carrying flaming torches, marched through Scotland's capital of Edinburgh as a procession kicked off the country's world-famous New Year celebrations.

From Barron's • Dec. 30, 2025

The film contains more than 1,000 digital fire FX shots, ranging from flaming arrows and flamethrowers to massive explosions and fire tornadoes.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2025

The yule log burned on the hearth and flaming torches filled the sconces.

From "The Door in the Wall" by Marguerite de Angeli

Related Words

• blazing
• fiery
• glowing
• red-hot