flirt

American  

[flurt] / flɜrt /

verb (used without object)

1. to court triflingly or act amorously without serious intentions; play at love; coquet.

   Synonyms:

   dally, tease

2. to trifle or toy, as with an idea.

   She flirted with the notion of buying a sports car.

   Synonyms:

   dally

3. to move with a jerk or jerks; dart about.

   butterflies flirting from flower to flower.

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verb (used with object)

1. to give a sudden or brisk motion to; wave smartly, as a fan.

2. to throw or propel with a toss or jerk; fling suddenly.

noun

1. Also flirter. a person who is given to flirting.

   Synonyms:

   tease, coquette, minx

2. a quick throw or toss; sudden jerk or darting motion.

flirt British  

/ flɜːt /

verb

1. (intr) to behave or act amorously without emotional commitment; toy or play with another's affections; dally

2. to deal playfully or carelessly (with something dangerous or serious); trifle

   the motorcyclist flirted with death

3. to think casually (about); toy (with)

   to flirt with the idea of leaving

4. (intr) to move jerkily; dart; flit

5. (tr) to subject to a sudden swift motion; flick or toss

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noun

1. a person who acts flirtatiously

Other Word Forms

• flirter noun
• flirtingly adverb
• flirty adjective

Etymology

Origin of flirt

First recorded in 1540–50; of expressive origin; compare similar initial cluster in flap, flick ¹, flip ¹ and final elements of squirt, spurt

Example Sentences

“His ability to control the paint for us has been huge,” said guard Marcus Smart, who flirted with a triple-double with 12 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.

From Los Angeles Times

First, there’s a pantomimed back story: During the overture, actors depicting the lovers as young teens flirt and are discouraged by adults.

From The Wall Street Journal

There’s “difficulty clearing physical crude in some regions, which has kept Brent flirting with the lowest levels since May,” the team adds.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s no-bake, yes, but it’s also a canvas: a place to flirt with flavor, indulge in textures, and conjure a sliceable memory.

From Salon

Simply put, JOP was scratching a creative itch by flirting with Jersey club, drill and house music.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• tease