Word Explorer
Children's
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
Intermediate Dictionary        

flare

 
 
pronunciation:
fleIr
parts of speech:
verb, noun
features:
Homophone Note, Word Explorer
part of speech: verb
inflections: flares, flaring, flared
definition 1: to begin to burn brightly (often followed by "up").
She blew on the coals, and the fire flared up.
definition 2: to come into being suddenly or become stronger and more intense (often followed by "up").
Tempers flared when the game was called off.His health problems flare up every winter.
definition 3: to become wider along a length.
Sailors wear pants that flare at the bottom.
 
part of speech: noun
definition 1: a sudden bright light.
The flare we saw in the night sky was a meteor.
similar words:
blaze, flash
definition 2: a bright light used to signal or give light.
The police set up flares around the accident scene to warn drivers.
Homophone Note
Are you looking for the word flair (a special talent)? Flare and flair sound alike but have different meanings.
Word Explorer
See
  light, outer space, space