flirtation

[ flur-tey-shuhn ]

/ flɜrˈteɪ ʃən /

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noun

the act or practice of flirting; coquetry.

a love affair that is not serious.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of flirtation

First recorded in 1710–20; flirt + -ation

OTHER WORDS FROM flirtation

flir·ta·tion·al, adjectiveflir·ta·tion·less, adjective

Words nearby flirtation

flip through, Flip-Top, flip-up, flirt, flirtable, flirtation, flirtatious, flirty, flit, flitch, flitch beam

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use flirtation in a sentence

The series observes Australians on the autism spectrum as they search for The One and meet with a dating coach to discuss the fundamentals of dating and flirtation.
Netflix’s ‘Love on the Spectrum’ Is the Best Dating Show on TV|Laura Bradley|September 22, 2021|The Daily Beast
The plot’s flirtation with the supernatural will remind readers of her most celebrated stories, including “The Pagan Rabbi,” “The Shawl” and “The Puttermesser Papers.”
With ‘Antiquities,’ Cynthia Ozick is as vibrant on the page as ever|Diane Cole|April 16, 2021|Washington Post
For many, that has meant gravitating to the Web, with video from previously taped productions, Zoom readings, and flirtations with Webcasts, radio plays and newly filmed works.
Ethan Hawke and John Leguizamo take on ‘Godot,’ hoping it’s a powerhouse online|Peter Marks|March 26, 2021|Washington Post
In a written statement over the weekend, Cuomo said that some of his comments might have been “misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation.”
Cuomo seeks to buy time amid scandals, taking a lesson from Bill Clinton of ‘never quit’|Dan Balz|March 4, 2021|Washington Post

I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation.
New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo says he will not resign, offers new apology for his behavior with women|Michael Scherer, Josh Dawsey|March 3, 2021|Washington Post
When asked by the BBC about his flirtation with 9/11 denialism—just asking questions, people!
Russell Brand’s Revolution For Morons|Michael Moynihan|November 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In that economy, the price of a smile would only be a smile, and flirtation could be exchanged only for flirtation.
Why Your Waiter Hates You|Jedediah Purdy|October 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Just look at comedian Bill Maher's short-lived flirtation with Paul.
Rand Paul's Bill Maher Problem|Jamie Weinstein|October 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Meanwhile, Carmela has an erotic religion-tinged flirtation with Father Phil back at the house.
David Chase on Tony Soprano’s Fate, the State of TV, and Why He Couldn’t Finish ‘True Detective’|Marlow Stern|September 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As the balloons and electricity scared us, inhibitions were naturally lowered and I saw the flirtation begin.
All the Grown-Up Hipsters Playing Kids’ Games|Daniel Genis|June 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Because Hartledon once had a flirtation with your daughter, does that give you leave to haunt him as if you were his double?
Elster's Folly|Mrs. Henry Wood
Aristide was young, he loved flirtation, and flirtation flourished in the Avenue des Plantanes.
The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol|William J. Locke
You are found in the library engaged in a bold flirtation with her Highness's son, Prince Boris.
The Weight of the Crown|Fred M. White
No lady of taste will carry on a flirtation in a ball room, so as to attract remark.
The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness|Florence Hartley
If they know they will fight shy of the garden, and many a promising flirtation will be spoilt.
The Weight of the Crown|Fred M. White

British Dictionary definitions for flirtation

flirtation

/ (flɜːˈteɪʃən) /

noun

behaviour intended to arouse sexual feelings or advances without emotional commitment; coquetry

any casual involvement without commitmenta flirtation with journalism

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

flirtation

Origin of flirtation

OTHER WORDS FROM flirtation

Words nearby flirtation

Words related to flirtation

How to use flirtation in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for flirtation