Flirting

/ˈflɜːr.tɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The act of behaving in a way that shows a sexual or romantic interest in someone.

Flirting can be a fun way to interact with someone you're attracted to.

Light and playful conversation or interaction that implies romantic interest.

Their flirting during the meeting was not subtle and made everyone else giggle.

verb

To behave as though attracted to someone, but not seriously.

She was flirting with him at the party, playing with her hair and smiling.

To engage in light-hearted or playful behavior that suggests interest or attraction.

They were flirting with each other at the coffee shop, laughing and teasing one another.

To deal with something in a superficial or casual manner.

He was flirting with the idea of moving to a new city, but hadn’t made any real plans.

The term 'flirt' originated in the early 17th century, possibly from the Dutch word 'flirten', meaning to 'flutter' or 'flick.'

flirt with disaster

To engage in risky behavior that could lead to trouble.

playing hard to get

Pretending to be uninterested to make someone more attracted.

love at first sight

Instant romantic attraction upon first meeting.

coquette

A woman who flirts light-heartedly.

tease

To make fun of or attempt to provoke someone in a playful way.

seduce

To attract someone into engaging in sexual behavior.

To hit on someone

He was totally hitting on her at the bar.

To give someone the eye

I saw him giving her the eye from across the room.