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Synonyms

flirtation

American  
[flur-tey-shuhn] / flɜrˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

  1. the act or practice of flirting; coquetry.

  2. a love affair that is not serious.

flirtation British  
/ 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
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • flirtational adjective
  • flirtationless adjective

Etymology

Origin of flirtation

First recorded in 1710–20; flirt + -ation

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.

Now that the flirtation with Warner is over, the shares are worth a look.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

Across years, Reiner follows Harry and Sally from their first meeting during a long-haul drive after college through their reconnection and eventual friendship and flirtation.

From Salon • Dec. 17, 2025

Jefferson carried on the flirtation following his emotional entanglement with Maria Cosway, a married artist and close friend of Angelica’s in London.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

Despite serious flirtation, India never made the leap to a presidential system.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2025

His flirtation with the French does not last.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day

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.