English · Word Candidate

flame

/fleɪm/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: flames · flaming · flamed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The visible part of fire; a stream of burning vapour or gas, emitting light and heat.

Noun

Examples

Long after his cigar burnt bitter, he sat with eyes fixed on the blaze. When the flames at last began to flicker and subside, his lids fluttered, then drooped; but he had lost all reckoning of time when he opened them again to find Miss Erroll in furs and ball-gown kneeling on the hearth[…].

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A romantic partner or lover in a usually short-lived but passionate affair.

Noun

Examples

I could copy out yards of rhapsody to Lord George Poynings, her old flame, in which she addressed him by the most affectionate names.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Of a brilliant reddish orange-gold colour, like that of a flame.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To produce flames; to burn with a flame or blaze.

Verb

Examples

The main blaze of it is past, but a small thing would make it flame again.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “flame” mean?

The visible part of fire; a stream of burning vapour or gas, emitting light and heat.

Is “flame” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.