WordGarden.ioflash
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /flˈæʃ/
US
- /ˈflæʃ/
Meanings
Noun
a sudden brief burst of bright light
a very short moment or sudden quick occurrence
flash memory or flash-based computer storage
Verb
to shine, blink, or appear briefly as light
to show, display, or signal something briefly
to move, pass, or happen very quickly
More meaningsFewer meanings
(informal)to expose one's genitals briefly, especially without consent
Beyond the definition
A flash can be many things: the bright burst of lightning in a stormy sky, a quick look at something, or a sudden feeling or idea. Think about a camera using a flash to light a photo, or a brief flash of inspiration that starts something new.
The word often suggests speed and force. A "flash flood" is a sudden rush of water. You might have a flash of memory, a quick and clear moment from the past. The word can also mean showing something for a very short time, or showing off money or style. So when something comes suddenly, brightly, or quickly, "flash" is often the right word.
The word "flash" carries a surprising amount of meaning, all revolving around suddenness and brilliance. At its core, a flash is a brief, intense burst of light—like lightning, a camera's strobe, or even a quick glint of sunlight reflecting off metal. For example, "A flash of lightning illuminated the dark forest."
But "flash" isn't limited to visual brightness. It can also describe a sudden, fleeting moment or impulse. A flash of anger might cause you to say something you regret, while a flash of insight is a sudden understanding that appears out of nowhere.
Figuratively, "flash" can mean to show something briefly, sometimes to impress people. Someone might "flash" a wad of cash or a fancy watch. It also has specific meanings in technology: a flash drive is a common portable storage device, and Adobe Flash was once a popular platform for web animations.
In emergency situations, a "flash flood" refers to a sudden and devastating rise in water levels. In journalism, a "news flash" is a brief announcement that interrupts regular programming to deliver urgent information. Whether it involves light, emotion, technology, or an act of showing off, "flash" always implies something happening quickly, brightly, and often unexpectedly.
Examples
- 1
Lightning
There was a bright flash of lightning behind the clouds.
- 2
Photography
Cameras flashed as the singer walked onto the stage.
- 3
Warning light
The warning light kept flashing on the dashboard.
- 4
Driving signal
The driver flashed his lights to let us pass.
- Phraseflash your lights
turn them on and off quickly
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Showing quickly
He flashed his ID at the guard and went inside.
- Patternflash + object
show it very quickly
- 6
Quick smile
She flashed me a quick smile across the table.
- 7
Facial expression
Doubt flashed across his face for a second.
- Patternflash across someone's face
appear for a very short time
- 8
Sudden thought
The answer suddenly flashed into my head.
- Patternflash into someone's head
come suddenly as a thought
- 9
Speed
I'll send you the file in a flash.
- Phrasein a flash
very quickly
- 10
News report
The radio cut to a news flash about the election.
- Phrasenews flash
a very short important news report
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- flashnounverbadjective
Forms
- flashing-ing formverbnounadjective
- flashespluralnounverbadjective
- flashedpast tenseverbnounadjective