verb
flash
flash
verb
1
To shine briefly or repeatedly.
"The warning light flashed red on the dashboard."
2
To show or send something very quickly.
"He flashed his badge at the door."
"She flashed a smile and walked off."
adjective
1
(informal, chiefly British) Showy and expensive-looking.
"He pulled up in a flash new car."
noun
1
A sudden brief burst of light.
"A flash of lightning lit up the sky."
How to Use Flash
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sudden brief burst of light, or to appear/shine briefly; informally, also means showy or expensive-looking.
Common pairings
flash of light
flash a smile
in a flash
Word Forms
more flash comparative, flashed past tense, flashes plural, flashes singular, most flash superlative
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The warning light _____ red on the dashboard.
Etymology
From Middle English flasshen, likely imitating the sound and suddenness of a splash or burst of light.