flirtation

[ flur-tey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or practice of flirting; coquetry.
2. a love affair that is not serious.

flirtation

/ flɜːˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. behaviour intended to arouse sexual feelings or advances without emotional commitment; coquetry
2. any casual involvement without commitment

   a flirtation with journalism

Other Words From

• flir·tation·al adjective
• flir·tation·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of flirtation¹

First recorded in 1710–20; flirt + -ation

Example Sentences

Discussions to purchase the firm are the latest sign that the president-elect's flirtation with the crypto community could get more serious.

From Salon

Gupta said that the medical community was near-unanimous in its "horror" over Trump's flirtation with picking Kennedy to lead HHS, and was particularly troubled over his stance on vaccines.

From Salon

Eriksson's colourful private life has been well chronicled, while an eventful England managerial reign included a brush with an infamous tabloid 'Fake Sheikh' as well as heavy flirtations with Chelsea and Manchester United.

From BBC

But there are risks to Paramount’s late-in-the-game flirtation with another suitor.

From Los Angeles Times

For tourists, a summer visit to Death Valley is a brief flirtation with deadly heat.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dalliance
• flirting
• toying