flemish: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Cultural, Geographical
Quick answer
What does “flemish” mean?
Relating to Flanders (the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium), its people, their language, or culture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to Flanders (the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium), its people, their language, or culture.
The Dutch dialect(s) spoken in Belgium. Can also refer to the characteristic coiled rope or decorative art style originating from the region.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term identically, though British English may have slightly more frequent exposure due to geographical proximity.
Connotations
Neutral geographical/cultural descriptor. In specific contexts (e.g., 'Flemish bond' in bricklaying, 'Flemish coil' in sailing), it denotes a technical style or method.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse, but stable in historical, artistic, linguistic, and geographical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “flemish” in a Sentence
[the] Flemish + [noun]of Flemish + [origin/descent]in FlemishVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flemish” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The exhibition focused on Flemish Renaissance art.
- He is of Flemish descent.
American English
- The gallery has a superb collection of Flemish masters.
- She studies Flemish linguistic history.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts relating to the Belgian market, e.g., 'We are expanding our operations into the Flemish region.'
Academic
Common in art history ('Flemish Primitives'), linguistics ('Flemish phonology'), and European studies.
Everyday
Rare, except when discussing travel ('We visited the Flemish cities of Ghent and Bruges'), ancestry, or language.
Technical
In masonry: 'Flemish bond' (a pattern of bricks). In sailing/ropemaking: 'Flemish coil'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flemish”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flemish”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flemish”
- Incorrectly using lower case 'flemish'.
- Using 'Flemish' to refer to anything Dutch from the Netherlands.
- Mispronouncing as /ˈflɛmɪʃ/ (with a short 'e') instead of /ˈflemɪʃ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'Flemish' is not a separate language. It is the collective name for the varieties of Dutch spoken in Belgium. The standard language is Dutch, but there are differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and usage compared to the Dutch spoken in the Netherlands.
Yes, always. It is a proper adjective derived from the place name Flanders.
Flemish refers to the Dutch-speaking community, culture, and region of Belgium (Flanders). Walloon refers to the French-speaking community, culture, and region of Belgium (Wallonia).
No, that is incorrect. A person from the Netherlands is Dutch. 'Flemish' specifically pertains to the Dutch-speaking community of Belgium.
Relating to Flanders (the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium), its people, their language, or culture.
Flemish is usually formal, academic, cultural, geographical in register.
Flemish: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflemɪʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflemɪʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To talk Flemish (archaic, meaning to speak incomprehensibly)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'FLEMISH' = 'FLEM' (from FLAnders) + 'ISH' (like English, Scottish) = belonging to Flanders.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Primarily a literal, categorical term.)
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is most accurately described as 'Flemish'?