flashy implies an effect of brilliance quickly and easily seen to be shallow or vulgar.

FLASHY definition: sparkling or brilliant, especially in a superficial way or for the moment. See examples of flashy used in a sentence.

FLASHY definition: 1. looking too bright, big, and expensive in a way that is intended to get attention and…. Learn more.

1. superficially sparkling or brilliant: a flashy performance. 2. ostentatious and tasteless; gaudy: flashy clothes.

If you describe a person or thing as flashy, you mean they are smart and noticeable, but in a rather vulgar way.

Definition of flashy adjective in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025 flash•y (flash′ ē), adj., flash•i•er, flash•i•est. sparkling or brilliant, esp. in a superficial way or for the moment: a flashy …

Dec 3, 2025 · flashy (comparative flashier, superlative flashiest) Showy; visually impressive, attention-getting, or appealing.

flashy, adj. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

To be flashy is to be showy in a tasteless way. Just like a flash of light is hard to ignore, flashy behavior draws attention.