DictionaryflingBrief romance
noun

fling

A brief period of freely indulging an interest.

She enjoys a brief fling with a musician during her vacation.

Etymology

The indulgence sense draws on energetic, unrestrained movement. A fling is a brief release into an activity or pleasure without the usual restraint.

More examples

  • My fling with gardening lasts only until the first weeds appear.
  • They agree that their summer fling ends when school starts.
  • His college fling with pottery left him with several lopsided bowls.

Forms

fling · flings

Similar words

affair
Suggests a romantic relationship, often secret or involving unfaithfulness.
dabbling
Emphasizes casual experimentation rather than a distinct period of indulgence.