# flexing

/ˈfɫɛksɪŋ/ (US) · /flˈɛksɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/flexing
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

bending or tightening a muscle to show how strong it is. In a casual way, it can also mean showing off your money, skills, or expensive things to impress others.

For teachers: contracting a muscle to increase its volume or tension. In contemporary slang, it refers to the act of ostentatiously displaying one's wealth, status, or accomplishments to assert superiority.

## Examples

- He is flexing his muscles in front of the mirror.
- She was flexing her new designer watch on social media to make her friends jealous.
- The athlete spent several minutes flexing for the cameras after his victory, while his rivals were already flexing their political influence to secure better sponsorship deals for the next season.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a gerund or present participle; the slang sense is frequently used intransitively.

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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.