Flemish

American  

[flem-ish] / ˈflɛm ɪʃ /

adjective

1. of or relating to Flanders, its people, or their language.

2. pertaining to or designating the style of art, especially painting, as developed principally in Flanders and northern France during the 15th century, chiefly characterized by sharply delineated forms, naturalistic proportions, clear, usually cool colors, and the use of perspective.

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noun

1. the people of Flanders collectively; the Flemings.

2. the Dutch language as spoken in northern Belgium: one of the official languages of Belgium. Flem., Flem

Flemish British  

/ ˈflɛmɪʃ /

noun

1. one of the two official languages of Belgium, almost identical in form with Dutch

2. (functioning as plural) the Flemings collectively

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Flanders, the Flemings, or their language

Other Word Forms

• non-Flemish adjective

Etymology

Origin of Flemish

1275–1325; Middle English < Middle Dutch Vlaemsch, equivalent to Vlaem- ( see Fleming) + -sch -ish ¹

Example Sentences

You could say that the Flemish painter, who served in the courts of two 17th-century English kings, created an imposing style of portraiture that was its own last word.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

The historic Egmont was a Flemish general, a hero to his people in the Netherlands who attempts to serve the 16th century Spanish emperor, Philip II, and rife for Goethe’s romanticizing.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

The Mercator was first introduced in 1569 by a Flemish geographer, and by the 1700s, it had become the default map.

From Slate • Jan. 21, 2026

A long-hidden masterpiece by a Flemish artist has been brought to light after a chance rediscovery.

From BBC • Dec. 8, 2025

They looked very much alike, with heavy dark-blond hair and epicene faces as clear, as cheerful and grave, as a couple of Flemish angels.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt