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

Explanation

If you're interested in someone romantically, you might flirt with them, which means to chat them up or tease them in a playful way. Flirting is an indirect and fun way to let your crush know you're interested, like a seductive line or a few coy words. Or if there's a girl you've had your eye on, you might make a point of walking by her desk and saying hello every morning. But even if you don't have a love interest, you can still flirt. Driving carelessly is flirting with disaster: it's almost like you're toying with the idea of getting into an accident.

Example Sentences

The first Swiss-built Class 231 Flirt trains have been introduced ahead of schedule on the Rhymney Valley line to Cardiff.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2023

June also has her own insights on and desires for love, as an elderly Asian widow looking to get back out there and try dating apps like Flirt Alert.

From Salon • Nov. 11, 2021

Sorensen has “permanently trespassed” the Chuns from his home and two businesses he owns, Pioneer Insurance and Flirt, a women’s clothing store, according to the police report.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 3, 2021

Inc. is using not one, but two digital influencers to launch its splashy, new repurposed brand, Flirt Cosmetics, Monday evening.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 16, 2016

Flirt with the giddy butterflies, your first love was one.

From Mae Madden by Mason, Mary Murdoch

Related Words

• tease