verb / noun
flirt
FLURT/flɜːrt/
To show playful interest without committing seriously.
They flirt over coffee, exchanging playful smiles and amused glances.
Etymology
Earlier uses described flicking and quick, inconstant movement. The courtship sense probably developed through the noun for a flighty person, though a direct shift from inconstant movement is also possible.
In context
they poke the snake they play games mind games power plays they tease they flirt they are like circling the wagon you know they're like touching and not touching
More examples
- She flirts with him, but neither expects a relationship.
- He's a flirt who enjoys exchanging compliments and playful looks.
- We flirted with the idea of moving but decided to stay.
Forms
flirt · flirts · flirted · flirting
flirtation noun — Playful romantic interest without serious commitment.
flirtatious adjective — Showing playful romantic or sexual interest.