definitions

flirt

[ flurt ]
/ flɜrt /
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR flirt ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used without object)

verb (used with object)

to give a sudden or brisk motion to; wave smartly, as a fan.
to throw or propel with a toss or jerk; fling suddenly.

noun

Also flirt·er. a person who is given to flirting.
a quick throw or toss; sudden jerk or darting motion.

Nearby words

flippant, flippantly, flipper, flipping, flippy, flirt, flirtable, flirtation, flirtatious, flirtatiously, flirty

Origin of flirt

1540–50; expressive word; compare similar initial cluster in flap, flick1, flip1, and final elements of squirt, spurt, etc.

Related forms

flirt·ing·ly, adverbflirt·y, adjective, flirt·i·er, flirt·i·est
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for flirter

flirt

/ (flɜːt) /

verb

(intr) to behave or act amorously without emotional commitment; toy or play with another's affections; dally
(intr usually foll by with) to deal playfully or carelessly (with something dangerous or serious); triflethe motorcyclist flirted with death
(intr usually foll by with) to think casually (about); toy (with)to flirt with the idea of leaving
(intr) to move jerkily; dart; flit
(tr) to subject to a sudden swift motion; flick or toss

noun

a person who acts flirtatiously

Derived Forms

flirter, nounflirty, adjectiveflirtingly, adverb

Word Origin for flirt

C16: of uncertain origin
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