# flammable

/ˈfɫæməbəɫ/ (US) · /flˈæməbəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/flammable
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. catching fire easily

adjective · CEFR B2

describes something that catches fire very easily and burns quickly.

For teachers: capable of being easily ignited and of burning quickly.

- Be careful with that liquid because it is highly flammable near a stove.
- The safety inspector noted that the warehouse stored several highly flammable solvents without adequate ventilation or fire suppression systems.

Usage: Often used with adverbs like 'highly', 'extremely', or 'potentially'.

### 3. dangerous substances

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a substance or material that can catch fire easily.

For teachers: any substance or material that is easily ignited.

- The truck was carrying flammables and had to follow a special route.
- Regulations require that all flammables be stored in reinforced cabinets away from primary exit routes.

Usage: Usually used in the plural form 'flammables' in industrial or safety contexts.

## Examples

- Be careful because this cleaning liquid is highly flammable.
- The fire spread quickly through the warehouse because the curtains were made of a highly flammable synthetic fabric.
- Safety regulations require all industrial chemicals to be stored in specialized containers that prevent the accidental ignition of flammable vapors during transport.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.