- 1[intransitive] (of liquid, gas, or electricity) to move steadily and continuously in one direction She lost control and the tears began to flow. + adv./prep. It's here that the river flows down into the ocean. Blood flowed from a cut on her head. This can prevent air from flowing freely to the lungs. the electric current flowing through the cables
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- 2[intransitive] (+ adv./prep.) (of people or things) to move or pass continuously from one place or person to another, especially in large numbers or amounts Constant streams of traffic flowed past. Election results flowed in throughout the night. They examined the way in which information flowed between the firm's 300 employees.
- 3[intransitive] to develop or be produced in an easy and natural way Conversation flowed freely throughout the meal. We hope that the debate on this issue will continue to flow. be available easily
- 4[intransitive] to be available easily and in large amounts It was obvious that money flowed freely in their family. The party got livelier as the wine began to flow. of feeling
- 5[intransitive] + adv./prep. to be felt strongly by someone Fear and excitement suddenly flowed over me. He envied the affection that flowed between the boy and the old man. of clothes/hair
- 6[intransitive] flow (down/over something) to hang loosely and freely Her hair flowed down over her shoulders. long flowing skirts of the ocean
- 7[intransitive] (of the tide in the ocean) to come in toward the land opposite ebb Phrasal Verbsflow from
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NAmE//floʊ//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they flow he / she / it flows
past simple flowed
-ing form flowing
Check pronunciation: flow