flex
1 Americanverb (used with object)
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to bend, as a part of the body.
He flexed his arms to show off his muscles.
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to tighten (a muscle) by contraction.
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to demonstrate (one’s ability, expertise, etc.).
She’s flexed her marketing skills for various clients in the publishing industry.
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Slang. to boast or brag about; flaunt.
He’s just not into flexing his success.
verb (used without object)
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to bend.
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Slang. to boast or brag; show off.
In his rap lyrics he flexes about his fancy lifestyle.
noun
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the act of flexing.
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Slang. a boast or brag.
It's not a flex, but we have the best burgers here.
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British.
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any flexible, insulated electric cord; an electric cord or extension cord.
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Slang. an elastic band, as a garter.
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Mathematics. an inflection point.
verb phrase
adjective
noun
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US and Canadian name: cord. a flexible insulated electric cable, used esp to connect appliances to mains
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informal flexibility or pliability
verb
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to bend or be bent
he flexed his arm
his arm flexed
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to contract (a muscle) or (of a muscle) to contract
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(intr) to work according to flexitime
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to test or display (one's authority or strength)
Usage
What else does flex mean? Flex is a slang term meaning "to show off," whether it be your physique, your belongings, or some other thing you consider superior to those of others. The act of flexing is often criticized as a power move, considered arrogant and insincere.
Etymology
Origin of flex1
First recorded in 1515–25; (adjective) from Latin flexus, past participle of flectere “to bend, turn”; (noun) from Latin flexus act of bending, equivalent to flect(ere) + -tus suffix of verbal action
Origin of flex2
Shortening of flexible
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As for our fully flexed Turbo Premium Plus, there was boost aplenty when it was on the boil.
He delights in his mastery of the battlefield, military or civilian, flexing his psychological muscles with a sociopath’s defiant swagger.
From Los Angeles Times
Towards the end, the whole body of dancers becomes engaged, menacing as they approach, their tense stomachs flexing as if hungry.
From Barron's
The Workers' Party congress offers a rare glimpse into the political workings of reclusive North Korea, and is widely seen as a forum for Kim to flex his grip on power.
From Barron's
The congress offers a rare glimpse into the political workings of reclusive North Korea, and is widely seen as a forum for Kim to flex his grip on power.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
