1. A sudden, bright light or flame used as a signal or for illumination.
2. Pants that are fitted at the hips and thighs and widen from the knee downward.
Usage: often used in plural
3. A sudden outburst or intensification of something, such as emotion or activity.

1. To burn brightly or suddenly; to shine with a bright, wavering light.
2. To spread outward or widen, especially at the bottom.
3. To break out suddenly in anger or violence.

Examples

• The ship fired flares to signal for help.
• She wore bell-bottom flares that were popular in the 1970s.
• His allergies flare up every spring.
• The candle flares when you light it.
• The skirt flares out at the hem.
• Tensions flared between the two countries.
• The nostrils flare when you breathe heavily.
• Emergency flares lit up the dark sky.