flax

noun

ˈflaks 

often attributive

1

: any of a genus (Linum of the family Linaceae, the flax family) of herbs

especially : a slender erect annual (L. usitatissimum) with blue flowers commonly cultivated for its bast fiber and seed

2

: the fiber of the flax plant especially when prepared for spinning

3

: any of several plants resembling flax

flaxy

ˈflak-sē 

adjective

Examples of flax in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Brooklinen Washed Linen Pillowcases $79 $36 Brooklinen Brooklinen's Washed Linen Pillowcases are made of 100% European flax, and hand-dyed in batches for your aesthetic pleasure. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024

That can mean having about a cup of plain Greek yogurt with half a cup of berries and a tablespoon of chia seeds; oatmeal with chia, flax, or hemp seeds or berries; or whole grain sourdough bread with half an avocado. —Korin Miller, Health, 21 Nov. 2024

Liriope is very hardy where flax lilies could suffer major leaf damage during a heavy frost or freeze. —Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Nov. 2024

Rounding out the ingredient list are oats, millet, and amaranth; sesame, flax, and chia seeds; honey, coconut sugar, and olive oil. —Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit, 6 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English fleax; akin to Old High German flahs flax, Latin plectere to braid — more at ply

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

flax

noun

ˈflaks 

: a slender plant with blue flowers that is grown for its fiber from which linen is made and for its seed from which oil and livestock feed are obtained

also : its fiber