flammable

American  

[flam-uh-buhl] / ˈflæm ə bəl /

adjective

1. easily set on fire; combustible; inflammable.

---

flammable British  

/ ˈflæməbəl /

adjective

1. liable to catch fire; readily combustible; inflammable

---

Usage

Flammable and inflammable are interchangeable when used of the properties of materials. Flammable is, however, often preferred for warning labels as there is less likelihood of misunderstanding ( inflammable being sometimes taken to mean not flammable ). Inflammable is preferred in figurative contexts: this could prove to be an inflammable situation

Commonly Confused

See inflammable.

Other Word Forms

• flammability noun

Etymology

Origin of flammable

First recorded in 1805–15; from Latin flammā(re) “to set on fire” + -ble

Example Sentences

Accusations the fire was helped by flammable materials on the outside of the buildings has sparked anger and concern.

From BBC

The fire spread quickly across the separate blocks due to the presence of flammable netting and other materials on the outside of the buildings.

From BBC

"This was preventable... A lot of people did not do their duties," the 33-year-old tells the BBC, claiming that the renovation firm used "poor quality, flammable materials".

From BBC

The cause of the fire is still unclear, but authorities believe renovations using flammable material and scaffolding helped spread what has now become the deadliest blaze in Hong Kong in six decades.

From BBC

Officials found flammable materials that may have accelerated the fire, including styrofoam used to seal windows, protective netting, canvas and plastic sheets.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• combustible
• incendiary