First Known Use: 1580
Dictionary
1flirt
verb \ˈflərt\
: to behave in a way that shows a sexual attraction for someone but is not meant to be taken seriously
: to think about something or become involved in something in a way that is usually not very serious
: to come close to reaching or experiencing something
Full Definition of FLIRT
intransitive verb
1
: to move erratically : flit
2
a : to behave amorously without serious intent b : to show superficial or casual interest or liking <flirted with the idea>; also : experiment <a novelist flirting with poetry>
3
: to come close to reaching or experiencing something —used with with <flirting with disaster>
transitive verb
1
: flick
2
: to move in a jerky manner
— flir·ta·tion \ˌflər-ˈtā-shən\ noun
— flirt·er noun
— flirty \ˈflər-tē\ adjective
See flirt defined for English-language learners
See flirt defined for kids
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Origin of FLIRT
origin unknown
Synonym Discussion of FLIRT
trifle, toy, dally, flirt, coquet mean to deal with or act toward without serious purpose. trifle may imply playfulness, unconcern, indulgent contempt <to trifle with a lover's feelings>. toy implies acting without full attention or serious exertion of one's powers <a political novice toying with great issues>. dally suggests indulging in thoughts or plans merely as an amusement <dallying with the idea of building a boat someday>. flirt implies an interest or attention that soon passes to another object <flirted with one fashionable ism after another>. coquet implies attracting interest or admiration without serious intention <companies that coquet with environmentalism solely for public relations>.
2flirt
noun
: a person who enjoys flirting with other people : a flirtatious person
Full Definition of FLIRT
1
: an act or instance of flirting
2
: a person who flirts
See flirt defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FLIRT
circa 1590
FLIRT[1] Defined for Kids
1flirt
verb \ˈflərt\
flirt·edflirt·ing
Definition of FLIRT for Kids
: to show a romantic interest in someone just for fun
2flirt
noun
Definition of FLIRT for Kids
: a person who flirts a lot
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