Meaning & use
flashes
Last updated
“flashes” is a form of “flash”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
Sudden, brief bursts of bright light.
Grammar: Used as a plural noun; the singular is 'flash'. Often followed by 'of' to show the source: flashes of lightning.
Patterns
- flashes of light
- flashes of lightning
We saw flashes of lightning in the distance.
The camera produced a series of bright flashes.
Flashes from the fireworks lit up the sky.
nounplural
Brief moments or instances of something, especially an emotion or memory.
Grammar: Often used in phrases like 'flashes of anger' or 'flashes of memory' to describe short, intense occurrences.
Patterns
- flashes of anger
- flashes of memory
- flashes of insight
She had flashes of anger throughout the meeting.
He experienced flashes of memory from his childhood.
The book offers flashes of insight into human nature.
nounpluralBritish
Colorful patches or decorations, especially on clothing or uniforms.
Grammar: This sense is common in British English, often referring to colored patches on military uniforms or sports gear.
Patterns
- military flashes
- regimental flashes
The soldiers wore green flashes on their shoulders.
His jacket had red flashes on the sleeves.
verbintransitive
Third-person singular present tense of 'flash': to shine brightly for a short time.
Grammar: Used with he, she, or it. The base form is 'flash', and the past tense is 'flashed'.
Patterns
- something flashes
- flashes on and off
The warning light flashes when the battery is low.
Lightning flashes across the sky during a storm.
Word forms
| singular | flash |
|---|---|
| plural | flashes |
| third-person singular | flashes |
| past tense | flashed |
| past participle | flashed |
| -ing form | flashing |
Common combinations
- flashes of lightning
- The storm produced brilliant flashes of lightning.
- flashes of anger
- He had flashes of anger when things went wrong.
- camera flashes
- The camera flashes were blinding at the event.
- hot flashes
- She experienced hot flashes during menopause.
- flashes on and off
- The light flashes on and off to warn drivers.
Synonyms and how they differ
- sparks
- Sparks are small flashes of light from fire or electricity, while flashes can be any sudden bright light.
- gleams
- Gleams are soft, steady shines, not the quick, bright bursts that flashes are.
- bursts
- Bursts can be sudden outbreaks of light or activity, similar to flashes, but often stronger and longer.
Word family
Commonly confused: flashes or flushes? flashes or flashes?
flashes vs flushes
Flushes are reddening of the skin or a sudden flow of water, not bursts of light.
flashes vs flashes
This is the same word; ensure you use the correct singular or plural form.
Practice
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: 'During the storm, we saw _____ of lightning across the sky.'
Choose one answer.
'Flashes' means sudden bursts of light, which fits lightning. 'Flushes' means reddening or a flow of water, 'flames' are fire, and 'floods' are water overflows.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “flashes”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.