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flirt

C2
verbnoun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /flˈɜːt/

US

  • /ˈflɜrt/

Description

To flirt is to act in a playful way that shows romantic or sexual interest. It does not always mean someone wants a serious relationship; sometimes it is simply a light, fun way to connect. You might see people do it through eye contact, compliments, teasing, or a warm tone of voice. In movies and real life, people often do this to test interest or enjoy the moment. Still, context matters, because what feels harmless to one person may feel uncomfortable to another. Respect for the other person's response and boundaries is always important.

Examples

  1. 1

    Romantic interest

    He spent the whole evening flirting with the woman at the bar.

  2. 2

    Playful behavior

    She likes to flirt a little, but she is not looking for a relationship.

  3. 3

    Unclear signals

    Are you flirting with me, or are you just being nice?

  4. 4

    Flirt noun

    Ben is such a flirt that nobody takes his compliments seriously.

  5. 5

    Career idea

    During college, she briefly flirted with the idea of becoming an actor.

    • Pattern

      flirt with the idea of + plan

      consider it briefly, but not very seriously

  6. 6

    Risky behavior

    Driving that fast on an icy road is flirting with disaster.

    • Phrase

      flirt with disaster

      do something risky that could end badly

Forms and spellings

4 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • flirtnounverb

Forms

  • flirting-ing formverbnoun
  • flirtedpast tenseverbnoun
  • flirtspluralnounverb