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

Carrick's second victim in this month's trial met him on a dating app, where she said he first came across as "friendly, flirty".

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2025

“No, no,” his client Jasmine Bryant reassures him, pulling out her phone to show photos of last year’s underwater-themed display of ghostly divers, flirty mermaid skeletons and adorable baby shark “skellys.”

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 21, 2025

The former Disney starlet has splashed onto the pop music scene with a zeal for catchy hooks with her song "Nonsense" and the flirty summer jam with unserious rhymes “Espresso.”

From Salon • Sep. 2, 2024

Joe Trace counted on flirty laughing women to buy his wares, and he knew better than to take up with any of them.

From "Jazz" by Toni Morrison