flier

noun

fli·​er ˈflī(-ə)r 

variants or less commonly flyer

1

: one that flies

She's a frequent flier on that airline.

specifically : airman

He was a flier on an aircraft carrier.

2

: a reckless or speculative venture

—usually used in the phrase take a flier

He took a flier in politics soon after getting his degree.

3

usually flyer : an advertising circular

Flyers announcing the concert were distributed throughout the city.

Synonyms

• chance
• gamble
• throw
• venture

Examples of flier in a Sentence

These birds are graceful fliers.

They distributed flyers announcing the concert throughout the city.

Recent Examples on the Web

The October call was placed before any missing-person fliers about Wade had made it to Alaska, according to Cincinnati Enquirer columnist Camilla Warrick. —Bjorn Dihle, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025

Ninety-nine fliers, along with support personnel, made the trip to China in the fall of 1941, according to the US Defense Department history. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2025

Willy Driscoll, the only other naval aviator to earn the ace designation during the Vietnam era, said Cunningham was an outstanding flier dedicated to his craft. —Jeff McDonald, Mercury News, 29 Aug. 2025

However, fliers can expect to be able to select their seat on Southwest flights next year, ending the airline’s historic run as the only large commercial airline to offer open seating. —Will McGough, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing flier

• frequent-flier
• take a flier

Rhymes for flier

• briar
• brier
• buyer
• choir
• crier
• cryer
• drier
• dryer
• eyer
• flyer
• friar
• frier

Kids Definition

flier

noun

fli·​er

variants also flyer

ˈflī(-ə)r

1

: one that flies

especially : pilot entry 1 sense 3

2

: an undertaking (as in business) that involves much risk

3

: an advertising circular