n.
Pronunciation: ' fl ə rt
Function: intransitive verb
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1580
1 : to move erratically : FLIT
2 a : to behave amorously without serious intent b : to show superficial or casual interest or liking < flirt ed with the idea> also : EXPERIMENT <a novelist flirt ing with poetry>
3 : to come close to reaching or experiencing something ― used with with < flirt ing with disaster> <the temperature flirt ed with 100°>
transitive verb
1 : FLICK
2 : to move in a jerky manner
synonyms see TRIFLE
– flir · ta · tion \ ˌ fl ə r- ' t ā -sh ə n \ noun
– flirt · er noun
– flirty \ ' fl ə r-t ē \ adjective