flex

[ fleks ]

/ flɛks /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: flex / flexed on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to bend, as a part of the body: He flexed his arms to show off his muscles.

to tighten (a muscle) by contraction.

to demonstrate (one’s ability, expertise, etc.): She’s flexed her marketing skills for various clients in the publishing industry.

Slang. to boast or brag about; flaunt: He’s just not into flexing his success.

verb (used without object)

to bend.

Slang. to boast or brag; show off: In his rap lyrics he flexes about his fancy lifestyle.

noun

the act of flexing.

Slang. a boast or brag: It's not a flex, but we have the best burgers here.

British.

any flexible, insulated electric cord; an electric cord or extension cord.
Slang. an elastic band, as a garter.

Mathematics. an inflection point.

Verb Phrases

flex on, Slang. 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.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of flex

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

Other definitions for flex (2 of 3)

flex²

[ fleks ]

/ flɛks /

adjective

Informal. flexible: a flex program of workers' benefits.

Origin of flex

Shortening of flexible

Other definitions for flex (3 of 3)

flex-

a combining form representing flexible in compound words: flextime.

Also flexi-.

How to use flex in a sentence

Grandamicus, Nova Demonstratio immobilitatis terr petita ex virtute magnetica (Flexi, 1645).
On the magnet, magnetick bodies also, and on the great magnet the earth|William Gilbert of Colchester

British Dictionary definitions for flex

flex

/ (flɛks) /

noun

British a flexible insulated electric cable, used esp to connect appliances to mainsUS and Canadian name: cord

informal flexibility or pliability

verb

to bend or be benthe flexed his arm; his arm flexed

to contract (a muscle) or (of a muscle) to contract

(intr) to work according to flexitime

to test or display (one's authority or strength)

Word Origin for flex

C16: from Latin flexus bent, winding, from flectere to bend, bow

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

flex

Origin of flex

Other definitions for flex (2 of 3)

Origin of flex

Other definitions for flex (3 of 3)

Words related to flex

How to use flex in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for flex

Word Origin for flex