flirtatious
Americanadjective
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given to flirtation
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expressive of playful sexual invitation
a flirtatious glance
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of flirtatious
First recorded in 1825–35; flirtat(ion) + -ious
Explanation
When you're flirtatious, you have a playful kind of banter, especially with someone in whom you're romantically interested. Your heart will flutter if your crush gives you a flirtatious smile. You might expect two lovesick teenagers to be flirtatious with each other, while it's deeply embarrassing to watch your grandmother treat her favorite waiter in a flirtatious way. Don't take it too seriously, though — there's a lightheartedness to all flirtatious behavior. In fact, the unserious 16th-century meaning of flirt was "to flit inconstantly from object to object."
Vocabulary lists containing flirtatious
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Maria believed she was romancing a prince from Dubai, captivated by his flirtatious smile and declarations of affection he showered on her during live video calls.
From Barron's ● Jul. 3, 2026
The air feels fickle, almost flirtatious, as if it enjoys the misdirection.
From Salon ● Mar. 1, 2026
Several high profile clients, including singer Chappell Roan, quit the firm this week after it emerged he flew on Epstein's private plane and exchanged flirtatious emails with Maxwell in 2003.
From BBC ● Feb. 14, 2026
The show’s Bessette is playful, flirtatious, free-spirited and wary of JFK Jr.’s fame, a far cry from the cold, reserved reputation the real-life Bessette was given.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 12, 2026
It’s not a creepy smile or a flirtatious smile.
From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
