Did you know?
In the 14th century, if someone told you that you had flair (or flayre as it was then commonly spelled), you might very well take offense. This is because in Middle English flayre meant "an odor." The word is derived from the Old French verb flairier ("to give off an odor"), which came, in turn, from Late Latin flagrare, itself an alteration of fragrare. (The English words fragrant and fragrance also derive from fragrare.) The "odor" sense of flair fell out of use, but in the 19th century, English speakers once again borrowed flair from the French—this time (influenced by the Modern French use of the word for the sense of smell) to indicate a discriminating sense or instinctive discernment.
Examples of flair in a Sentence
Amber Cardullo, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
Deutsche Küche Apple Frangipane Tarts For an elegant dessert option, the $4 Deutsche Küche Apple Frangipane Tarts bring a European flair to the table.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2025
With music, dancing, and a touch of retro flair, this is an evening designed for pure fun and maybe a little luck at the tables.
—Tiffani Jackson Skinner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
While the building’s bones reflect Bryan’s old-world character, the interiors blend vintage details with contemporary comforts and a dash of Danish modern flair.
—Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flair
Cite this Entry
“Flair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flair. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
flair
noun
Share