flirtation
/flɜːˈteɪʃn
/noun [mass noun]
1Behaviour that demonstrates a playful sexual attraction to someone: Fabia was in no mood for his light-hearted flirtation...
- Honest, open communication about flirtation, sexuality and attraction are in my eyes key to a healthy relationship.
- Some of us have become so worried about causing offence or sending the wrong signals that we are in danger of losing our natural talent for playful, harmless flirtation.
- The playful flirtation vanished from the dark woman's face in a flash and she straightened suddenly, firing a steel - cold glance my way.
Synonyms
coquetry, teasing, trifling, toying, dalliance, philandering, romantic advances
informal chat-up, come-on
1.1 [count noun] A short or casual relationship: she had had plenty of flirtations—now she had fallen in love...
- Set in a bar, this is a series of flirtations, tiffs, relationships that make out or don't, full of vigorous, jazzy, skittish dances - though there are sags in interest.
- For a long time, what does happen seems almost aimless: scenic walks, music, casual flirtations.
- At sixteen, Gwenifer was worldly and knowledgeable about all things, especially flirtations and relationships between men and women.
1.2A short period of casual experimentation with or interest in a particular idea or activity: his brief flirtation with the avant-garde in the 1920s...
- At least, though, I learnt my lesson during my brief flirtation with this dangerous game.
- After a brief flirtation with the national interest, the aristocracy is back to putting dynasty before duty.
- I am at a point where I have to decide if I want to do something serious with technology or continue to waste my time with the casual flirtation.