verb
Uncommon
flirt
flurt
Flirt (verb) means to behave in a playful, teasing way toward someone to show romantic or sexual interest. Example: “They flirted across the bar all evening before finally talking.”
verb
1
To behave in a playful, teasing way toward someone to show romantic or sexual interest.
"They flirted across the bar all evening before finally talking."
2
To show a passing, casual interest in an idea or activity, without full commitment.
"She flirted with the idea of quitting her job to travel."
noun
1
A person who flirts often.
"Everyone at the office knew he was a bit of a flirt."
How to use flirt
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo playfully show romantic interest in someone, or more loosely, to toy with an idea without committing to it.
Common pairings
flirt with someone
flirt with danger
flirt with the idea
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Word forms
- Plural
- flirts
- Third person singular
- flirts
- Past tense
- flirted
Fill the gap
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They _____ across the bar all evening before finally talking.
Etymology
From 16th-century English words meaning "to flick" or "to mock," of uncertain and likely onomatopoeic Germanic origin.
Class of 1500
flirt joined the language around 1500.
See the full Class of 1500 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for flirt
See all rhymes for flirt →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of flirt?
"flirt" (verb) means to behave in a playful, teasing way toward someone to show romantic or sexual interest.
What is another word for flirt?
Other words for "flirt" include charm, come on to, coquet, dally, fool around, gallivant.
What is the opposite of flirt?
Opposites of "flirt" include belittle, cockblock.
What are the different meanings of flirt?
"flirt" has 3 main meanings: 1. To behave in a playful, teasing way toward someone to show romantic or sexual interest; 2. To show a passing, casual interest in an idea or activity, without full commitment; 3. A person who flirts often.
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