1
: moving smoothly and continuously in or as if in a stream
a flowing river
2
a
: smooth and graceful
flowing handwriting
b
: hanging loosely and gracefully
a flowing gown
her long, flowing tresses
flowingly adverb
a flowingly graceful gesture
As he talked along, softly, pleasantly, flowingly, he seemed to drift away imperceptibly out of this world and time … Mark Twain

Examples of flowing in a Sentence

a flowing silk scarf
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The film’s score is, by turns, delicate and bold, flowing and discordant, unrepentantly experimental, and an echo of the grandeur of Hollywood. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 12 Feb. 2025 An earthy bride may choose a flowing and delicate gown crafted from lightweight fabrics like chiffon or lace, adorned with delicate floral appliqués or intricate crochet details. Kedean Smith, Essence, 12 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flowing was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Flowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flowing. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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