noun
floss
flos
noun
1
A thin thread used to clean between the teeth.
"The dentist recommended flossing with waxed floss."
verb
1
To clean between the teeth using floss.
"You should floss at least once a day."
2
To show off, especially one's wealth or style.
"He loves to floss his new watch on social media."
How to Use Floss
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThread for cleaning teeth, the act of using it, or (slang) showing off.
When to use it
The "show off" sense is informal slang.
Common pairings
dental floss
floss your teeth
floss on Instagram
Word Forms
flossed past tense, flosses plural, flosses plural, flosses plural, flosses singular
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The dentist recommended _____ with waxed floss.
Etymology
Origin unclear, possibly from an Old French word for soft, fluffy wool or down.