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

The 100% European flax linen, made in the Guimarães region of Portugal, is perfect for snuggling under the cover. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2025

Ground flax, also known as flax meal, binds this batter together and accentuates the nutty taste of oats. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025

Match a tailored linen vest with trousers or pleated linen shorts in soft pastels, flax, or crisp white. —Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 18 Mar. 2025

Some of the best choices include sprouted whole grain, flax, sourdough, and oat bread. —Lindsey Desoto, Rd, Ld, Verywell Health, 6 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for flax

• axe
• backs
• blacks
• cracks
• fax
• hacks
• jacks
• knacks
• lacks
• lakhs
• lax
• macs

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