Meaning of the word flake in English

What does flake mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

flake

US /fleɪk/

UK /fleɪk/

a small, thin piece of something, especially one that has broken off a larger piece

Example:

•

Snow flakes fell softly on the ground.

•

There were tiny flakes of paint on the old wall.

Synonym:

chip fragment sliver shred speck

(informal) a person who is unreliable or tends to forget things or not show up

Example:

•

Don't invite him, he's such a flake and will probably cancel last minute.

•

I was supposed to meet Sarah, but she's a total flake and never showed up.

Synonym:

unreliable person scatterbrain dreamer space cadet airhead

to break or cause to break into small, thin pieces

Example:

•

The old paint began to flake off the wall.

•

His skin tends to flake in dry weather.

Synonym:

peel chip shed desquamate

(informal) to fail to keep an appointment or be unreliable

Example:

•

He promised to help, but he always flakes out at the last minute.

•

Don't count on him for the party; he might flake.

Synonym:

bail cancel renege back out ditch

Related Word:

flakes flaking soap flakes