floss
8 synonyms for floss, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A thin thread used to clean between the teeth.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A thin thread used to clean between the teeth.
“The dentist recommended flossing with waxed floss.”
dental floss
How to use floss
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
dental floss
floss your teeth
floss on Instagram
The "show off" sense is informal slang.
Etymology
Origin unclear, possibly from an Old French word for soft, fluffy wool or down.
Full origin of floss →Frequently asked questions
What does “floss” mean?
The word “floss” means a thin thread used to clean between the teeth. In plain terms, thread for cleaning teeth, the act of using it, or (slang) showing off.
How do you pronounce “floss”?
“Floss” is pronounced flos (/flɔs/ in IPA).
How do you use “floss” in a sentence?
Here is “floss” used in a sentence: “The dentist recommended flossing with waxed floss.”
What part of speech is “floss”?
Depending on how it is used, “floss” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “floss” come from?
The word “floss” comes from Old French. Origin unclear, possibly from an Old French word for soft, fluffy wool or down.
Is “floss” a common word?
“Floss” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “floss” have?
“Floss” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a thin thread used to clean between the teeth.
