flax

noun

ˈflaks

often attributive

: 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

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

: any of several plants resembling flax

flaxy

ˈflak-sē

adjective

Examples of flax in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The complex also contains a blend of antioxidants, flax seed extract, and acetyl tetrapeptide-2, which work together to improve skin elasticity, maximize hydration, and even out the skin tone across the neck and décolleté. — Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2026 Additionally, there was a jaw piece and the wig, which was made out of muka, a fiber produced from New Zealand flax. — Kirbie Johnson, Allure, 23 Oct. 2026 The overwhelming problem of plastic From flax that can be used in clothing and cars to robotic skimmers to stricter laws, determined researchers, activists and volunteers fight an industry intent on making more plastic. — Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 From Flax to Finished Fabric Springtex uses 100 percent European flax sourced directly from Normandy, France — the world’s premier flax-growing region, producing approximately 80 percent of global textile linen. — Advertorial, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flax

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of flax was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Flax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flax. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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

flax

noun

Examples of flax in a Sentence

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flax

noun

Examples of flax in a Sentence

Word History

Rhymes for flax

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on flax

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