floss
Floss (noun) means a thin thread used to clean between the teeth. Example: “The dentist recommended flossing with waxed floss.”
How to use floss
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThread for cleaning teeth, the act of using it, or (slang) showing off.
The "show off" sense is informal slang.
Word forms
flossed past tense, flosses plural, flosses plural, flosses plural, flosses singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The dentist recommended _____ with waxed floss.
Etymology
Origin unclear, possibly from an Old French word for soft, fluffy wool or down.
Synonyms
View more →Rhymes for floss
See all rhymes for floss →Frequently asked questions
What does “floss” mean?
The word “floss” means a thin thread used to clean between the teeth. In plain terms, thread for cleaning teeth, the act of using it, or (slang) showing off.
How do you pronounce “floss”?
“Floss” is pronounced flos (/flɔs/ in IPA).
How do you use “floss” in a sentence?
Here is “floss” used in a sentence: “The dentist recommended flossing with waxed floss.”
What part of speech is “floss”?
Depending on how it is used, “floss” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “floss” come from?
The word “floss” comes from Old French. Origin unclear, possibly from an Old French word for soft, fluffy wool or down.
Is “floss” a common word?
“Floss” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “floss” have?
“Floss” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a thin thread used to clean between the teeth.