flaxseed

noun

flax·​seed ˈflak(s)-ˌsēd How to pronounce flaxseed (audio)
: the small seed of flax (especially Linum usitatissimum) used especially as a source of oil, as a demulcent and emollient, and as a dietary supplement

called also linseed

Examples of flaxseed 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.
Monday starts with familiar high-fiber meals Begin the week with oatmeal with berries and flaxseed. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 8 June 2026 Pour about 1/4 cup of canola, flaxseed, or vegetable oil over the surface of the griddle, and scrub the oil into the surface using a pumice grill block. — Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 18 June 2026 This comes from a serving of lean ground turkey (114 grams or 4 ounces cooked) and 1–2 tablespoons of flaxseeds used in the coating. — Merve Ceylan, Health, 22 June 2026 Cooking Oils Cooking oils high in unsaturated fats, such as olive, walnut, and flaxseed oils, are among the pantry items most susceptible to heat damage. — Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for flaxseed

Word History

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flaxseed was in 1562

Rhymes for flaxseed

See All Rhymes for flaxseed

Browse Nearby Words

flax rust
flaxseed
flax-sick
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flaxseed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flaxseed. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

flaxseed

noun
flax·​seed ˈflak(s)-ˌsēd How to pronounce flaxseed (audio)
: the small seed of flax used as a source of linseed oil and in medicinal preparations

Medical Definition

flaxseed

noun
flax·​seed ˈflak(s)-ˌsēd How to pronounce flaxseed (audio)
: the small seed of flax (especially Linum usitatissimum) used especially as a source of oil, as a demulcent and emollient in treating inflammatory conditions of the respiratory, intestinal, and urinary passages, and as a dietary supplement

called also linseed

More from Merriam-Webster on flaxseed

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flaxseed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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