Meaning & Definition of word "Flash"

Flash

/flæʃ/

noun:

  • 1. a brief burst of light.
    • Example: The photographer captured the moment with a flash.
  • 2. a quick or sudden occurrence.
    • Example: There was a flash of inspiration that led to the solution.
  • 3. a sudden burst of something, esp. brilliance or vividness.
    • Example: The event was marked by a flash of color and excitement.

verb:

  • 1. to emit or display a brief burst of light or a signal.
    • Example: The lights flashed as the emergency vehicle approached.
  • 2. to show something suddenly or briefly.
    • Example: He flashed his badge to gain entry.
  • 3. to move or pass suddenly and quickly.
    • Example: A shooting star flashed across the night sky.

adjective:

  • 1. designed to be ostentatious or showy.
    • Example: He wore a flash suit to the party that turned heads.

Etymology

Middle English ‘flaschen’, meaning to emit light or suddenly appear.

Common Phrases and Expressions

flash in the pan:

A brief success that fails to continue.

flash one's cash:

To show off one's wealth ostentatiously.

flash drive:

A data storage device that uses flash memory.

Related Words

flashing:

The act of emitting light in bursts.

flashlight:

A portable electric light.

flashback:

A sudden recollection of a past event.

Slang Meanings of flash

Meaning: To show off or display something, especially wealth or success.

Example Sentence: He likes to flash his expensive watch.

Meaning: To reveal something hastily, often for shock value.

Example Sentence: She flashed a glimpse of her new tattoos.