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

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."

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

A person who flirts often.

"Everyone at the office knew he was a bit of a flirt."

How to use flirt

Learner’s notes

In 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

Word forms

flirted past tense, flirts plural, flirts singular

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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.

Origin: Germanic · First attested 1500

Class of 1500 flirt joined the language around 1500.

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Synonyms

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charm come on to coquet dally fool around gallivant get fresh hit on make a move on make an advance make eyes at play the field

Antonyms

belittle cockblock

Related words

little play fear influence beauty appeal spell attract

Rhymes for flirt

dirt Wirt shirt skirt

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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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