flash
flash
Flash (verb) means to shine briefly or repeatedly. Example: “The warning light flashed red on the dashboard.”
verb
1
To shine briefly or repeatedly.
"The warning light flashed red on the dashboard."
"Lightning flashed over the hills as we hurried to the car."
"The lighthouse beam flashes every few seconds to warn passing ships."
2
To show or send something very quickly.
"He flashed his badge at the door."
"She flashed a smile and walked off."
"The news channel flashed the result on screen within seconds."
adjective
1
(informal, chiefly British) Showy and expensive-looking.
"He pulled up in a flash new car."
"She showed off her flash watch to everyone at the party."
"That's a very flash restaurant for a casual lunch."
noun
1
A sudden brief burst of light.
"A flash of lightning lit up the sky."
"The camera gave a bright flash as she took the photo."
"I saw a sudden flash of light from behind the trees."
How to use flash
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sudden brief burst of light, or to appear/shine briefly; informally, also means showy or expensive-looking.
Common pairings
flash of light
flash a smile
in a flash
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Word forms
- Plural
- flashes
- Third person singular
- flashes
- Past tense
- flashed
- Comparative
- more flash
- Superlative
- most flash
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The warning light _____ red on the dashboard.
Etymology
From Middle English flasshen, likely imitating the sound and suddenness of a splash or burst of light.
Related words
Rhymes for flash
See all rhymes for flash →Frequently asked questions
What does “flash” mean?
The word “flash” means to shine briefly or repeatedly. In plain terms, a sudden brief burst of light, or to appear/shine briefly; informally, also means showy or expensive-looking.
How do you pronounce “flash”?
“Flash” is pronounced flash (/flæʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “flash” in a sentence?
Here is “flash” used in a sentence: “The warning light flashed red on the dashboard.”
What is another word for “flash”?
Words with a similar meaning to “flash” include beep.
What part of speech is “flash”?
Depending on how it is used, “flash” can be a verb, an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “flash” come from?
The word “flash” comes from Middle English. From Middle English flasshen, likely imitating the sound and suddenness of a splash or burst of light.
Is “flash” a common word?
“Flash” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “flash” have?
“Flash” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to shine briefly or repeatedly.
What is an example of flash?
Lightning flashing across the sky during a storm is a classic example, as it shines suddenly and brightly. A camera flash lighting up for an instant is another. The word captures any light that appears quickly and briefly, whether it happens once or repeats over and over.
What is the difference between flash and glow?
A flash is brief and sudden, a quick burst of light that appears and disappears. A glow is steady and soft, a light that lingers, like embers or a lamp. Flash is about speed and surprise, while glow is about warmth and constancy.
Can flash be used figuratively?
Yes. We often use flash for things that happen in an instant, such as 'a smile flashed across her face' or 'a memory flashed into his mind.' It can also describe showing something quickly, like flashing a badge. The idea of a brief, sudden appearance carries into these uses.
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