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

: to move erratically : flit

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>

: to come close to reaching or experiencing something —used with with <flirting with disaster>

transitive verb

: flick

: 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

Origin of FLIRT

origin unknown

First Known Use: 1580

Related to FLIRT

Synonyms: coquet (or coquette), dally, frivol, mess around, toy, trifle

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>.