noun
Uncommon
floss
flos
Floss (noun) means a thin thread used to clean between the teeth. Example: “The dentist recommended flossing with waxed floss.”
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- flosses
- Third person singular
- flosses
- Past tense
- flossed
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.
Related words
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.
