flax
Americannoun
-
any plant of the genus Linum, especially L. usitatissimum, a slender, erect, annual plant having narrow, lance-shaped leaves and blue flowers, cultivated for its fiber and seeds.
-
the fiber of this plant, manufactured into linen yarn for thread or woven fabrics.
-
any of various plants resembling flax.
noun
-
any herbaceous plant or shrub of the genus Linum , esp L. usitatissimum , which has blue flowers and is cultivated for its seeds (flaxseed) and for the fibres of its stems: family Linaceae
-
the fibre of this plant, made into thread and woven into linen fabrics
-
any of various similar plants
-
Also called: harakeke. a swamp plant producing a fibre that is used by Māoris for decorative work, baskets, etc
Etymology
Origin of flax
before 900; Middle English; Old English fleax; cognate with Dutch, Low German vlas, German Flachs
Vocabulary lists containing flax
Ancient Egypt - Introductory
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Ancient Egypt - Middle School and High School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“The question of ‘Is AI a bubble’ will remain front and centre for investors in 2026,” Flax says.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025
“The current environment has similarities with past bubbles — notably, a potentially transformative technology, huge amounts of investment and high expectations,” wrote Richard Flax, chief investment officer at Moneyfarm in a research note on Monday.
From Barron's • Oct. 20, 2025
Consumers who purchased or received any donations of Multigrain Crackers with Sunflower and Flax Seeds should discard the product or return it to their nearby store for a full refund.
From Salon • Sep. 7, 2023
Flax Typhoon has been active since mid-2021 and has been spotted conducting cyberattacks on government agencies, universities, critical manufacturing and information technology organizations in Taiwan.
From Washington Times • Aug. 28, 2023
Flax and hemp showed a decreasing acreage from 1881 onwards.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 7 "Fox, George" to "France" by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.