# flax

/ˈfɫæks/ (US) · /flˈæks/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. the plant

noun · CEFR B2

a plant with blue flowers that is grown for its seeds and for the fibers in its stem.

For teachers: a slender-stemmed plant of the genus Linum, typically bearing blue flowers and grown as a crop for industrial purposes.

- The fields were covered in blue flowers where the farmer was growing flax.
- Historically, flax was a staple crop in the region due to the high demand for both its durable fibers and its versatile oil.

Usage: Often used as a modifier, as in 'flax field' or 'flax seeds'.

### 2. textile fiber

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the strong fibers from the flax plant that people use to make linen cloth.

For teachers: the prepared textile fibers of the Linum usitatissimum plant, used to manufacture linen and other high-tensile fabrics.

- Workers spun the raw flax into fine threads to make high-quality tablecloths.
- The archaeological site contained remnants of woven flax, suggesting that the inhabitants possessed advanced textile-making skills.

Usage: Uncountable when referring to the material in bulk.

### 3. New Zealand plant

noun · CEFR C2 · Dialect

a different plant from New Zealand with long, strong leaves used for weaving.

For teachers: a plant of the genus Phormium, native to New Zealand, characterized by long, strap-like leaves used in traditional Māori weaving.

- The artist used New Zealand flax to weave a traditional basket.
- Phormium tenax, commonly known as New Zealand flax, is widely used in landscaping for its striking architectural foliage.

Teaching tip: This sense is specific to New Zealand English; in other regions, 'flax' almost always refers to the linen-producing plant.

## Examples

- Farmers harvest flax to make linen fabric.
- The ancient Egyptians were among the first to cultivate flax for weaving lightweight clothing.
- While synthetic materials dominate the modern market, flax remains a sustainable alternative for high-quality textiles and industrial lubricants derived from its seed oil.

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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.