noun
Uncommon
flashing
FLA-shihng
Flashing (noun) means Strips of metal used to seal joints on a roof against water, such as around chimneys or vents. Example: “The leak was traced to worn flashing around the chimney.”
noun
1
Strips of metal used to seal joints on a roof against water, such as around chimneys or vents.
"The leak was traced to worn flashing around the chimney."
"The roofer replaced the flashing where the pipe meets the slates."
"Lead flashing keeps rain from seeping into the gap beside the wall."
2
Repeated blinking of a light.
"There were tremblings, flashings, coruscatings of sparks which were dying as they were born."
— Marguerite Young, Miss MacIntosh (1965)
"The incessant flashing of the neon sign kept the neighborhood awake."
"The flashing of the smoke detector meant the battery was low."
"The flashing of the beacon warned ships away from the rocks."
"The constant flashing of the neon sign kept him awake all night."
How to use flashing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a blinking light, or the metal sealing strips used in roofing.
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Word forms
- Plural
- flashings
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The leak was traced to worn _____ around the chimney.
Etymology
From flash + -ing; the roofing sense comes from the shiny, light-reflecting metal traditionally used.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for flashing
hashing
dashing
washing
lashing
bashing
smashing
crashing
clashing
trashing
slashing
thrashing
splashing
See all rhymes for flashing →
Frequently asked questions
What does “flashing” mean?
The word “flashing” means strips of metal used to seal joints on a roof against water, such as around chimneys or vents. In plain terms, either a blinking light, or the metal sealing strips used in roofing.
How do you pronounce “flashing”?
“Flashing” is pronounced FLA-shihng (/ˈflæʃɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “flashing” in a sentence?
Here is “flashing” used in a sentence: “The leak was traced to worn flashing around the chimney.”
What part of speech is “flashing”?
“Flashing” is a noun.
Is “flashing” a common word?
“Flashing” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “flashing” have?
“Flashing” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: strips of metal used to seal joints on a roof against water, such as around chimneys or vents.
What is roof flashing used for?
Flashing is strips of metal, such as aluminum, steel, or lead, installed at joints on a roof, including around chimneys, vents, and valleys, to keep water from seeping in. It works by directing water away from these vulnerable seams rather than sealing them with adhesive alone.
Is "flashing" always about roofs, or can it mean something else?
No, flashing can also describe a light blinking repeatedly, such as flashing hazard lights on a car or a flashing warning sign. Context determines whether it refers to the roofing material or the repeated light.
Why does roof flashing usually go around chimneys and vents specifically?
Chimneys, vents, and skylights create breaks in an otherwise continuous roof surface, and water tends to find its way through these joints. Flashing bridges the gap between the roofing material and the protruding structure to keep water out.
