flirty

American  

[flur-tee] / ˈflɜr ti /

adjective

Informal

1. pleasantly flirtatious; playful.

   We exchanged a few flirty texts, but nothing came of it.

2. (of apparel) having a charming or playful appeal, often in the form of elements traditionally considered feminine, such as light fabrics, bright colors, flounces, and ruffles, and often exposing bare skin.

   I tried on one of the boutique's “flirty dresses” and it reminded me of the outfit I wore to my sixth birthday party.

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Etymology

Origin of flirty

First recorded in 1750–60; flirt ( def. ) + -y ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

What begins as a flirty, fun and glamorous look at John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, the “it” couple of the late ‘90s, inevitably becomes yet another invasion of its subjects’ privacy.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

At the grocery store, I linger in the produce section with the reverence of a botanist on sabbatical, basket brimming with romaine, iceberg, butter — anything leafy and remotely flirty.

From Salon • May 26, 2025

It’s Glinda’s version of Hollywood glamour, it’s setting her up to be cute and flirty and frivolous and playful in the song.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2024

A 13-year-old finds herself questioning all she’s got when a birthday wish to be “30, flirty and thriving” comes true.

From New York Times • Apr. 1, 2024

I didn’t know whether to trust Alaska, and I’d certainly had enough of her unpredictability—cold one day, sweet the next; irresistibly flirty one moment, resistibly obnoxious the next.

From "Looking for Alaska" by John Green