Dictionary

flashy

adjective \ˈfla-shē\

: bright or fancy in a way that is meant to attract attention

flash·i·erflash·i·est

Full Definition of FLASHY

1
chiefly dialect :  lacking in substance or flavor :  insipid
2
:  momentarily dazzling
3
a :  superficially attractive or impressive
b :  ostentatious or showy often beyond the bounds of good taste; especially :  marked by gaudy brightness
flash·i·ly \ˈfla-shə-lē\ adverb
flash·i·ness \ˈfla-shē-nəs\ noun
ADVERTISEMENT

First Known Use of FLASHY

1593

Synonym Discussion of FLASHY

gaudy, tawdry, garish, flashy, meretricious mean vulgarly or cheaply showy. gaudy implies a tasteless use of overly bright, often clashing colors or excessive ornamentation <circus performers in gaudy costumes>. tawdry applies to what is at once gaudy and cheap and sleazy <tawdry saloons>. garish describes what is distressingly or offensively bright <garish neon signs>. flashy implies an effect of brilliance quickly and easily seen to be shallow or vulgar <a flashy nightclub act>. meretricious stresses falsity and may describe a tawdry show that beckons with a false allure or promise <a meretricious wasteland of casinos and bars>.

Rhymes with FLASHY

FLASHY Defined for Kids

flashy

adjective \ˈfla-shē\
flash·i·erflash·i·est

Definition of FLASHY for Kids

:  gaudy, showy <flashy clothes>

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: flaskPrevious Word in the Dictionary: flash weldingAll Words Near: flashy
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears