English Reference

Word

flaming

Phoneticsflam·ing, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈfɫeɪmɪŋ/

UK/flˈeɪmɪŋ/

Definitions

01on fire

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. burning with visible flames.

adj. undergoing combustion accompanied by visible flames.

“The firefighters worked quickly to put out the flaming building.”

“The flaming wreckage of the aircraft was visible from several miles away, sending plumes of thick black smoke into the clear sky.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

02brightly coloured

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. having a very bright colour like fire, such as red, orange, or yellow.

adj. possessing a brilliant or intense colour resembling that of a flame.

“The trees were covered in flaming red leaves during the autumn.”

“She wore a flaming orange dress that made her stand out immediately in the crowded ballroom.”

Antonyms

03annoyed emphasis

C1 · Advanced British English · Informal · Dialect

adj. you use this word to show you are very annoyed or angry about something.

adj. used as an intensifier to express irritation, anger, or frustration.

“I can't get this flaming computer to work properly.”

“He spent the entire afternoon trying to fix that flaming leak in the bathroom, only to find the pipe was completely rusted through.”

Usage

Always placed before the noun it modifies.

Teaching tip

This is a milder alternative to stronger swear words, but it still sounds quite frustrated and is mostly used in British or Australian English.

04burning or shining

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. the -ing form of the verb 'flame', meaning to burn brightly or show strong emotion.

v. the present participle of 'flame', denoting the act of burning with a bright light or bursting into strong emotion.

“The logs were flaming in the fireplace, keeping the cabin warm.”

“His eyes were flaming with anger as he listened to the unfair accusations being levelled against his team.”

Synonyms

05online insults

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Computing Informal · Technical

n. sending angry or rude messages to someone on the internet.

n. the act of posting or sending offensive, insulting, or hostile messages over the internet.

“The forum moderator had to stop the flaming between the two users.”

“The discussion quickly degenerated into personal flaming, forcing the administrator to lock the thread and ban several participants.”

Real-World Examples

“The firebug can be seen picking up the flaming gas can and using it to ignite the accelerant on a second car.”
Toronto Sun 5 Sept 2026

Word family

ADJECTIVE

flaming(B2)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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