flit

verb

ˈflit 

flitted; flitting

intransitive verb

1

: to pass quickly or abruptly from one place or condition to another

2

archaic : alter, shift

3

: to move in an erratic fluttering manner

flit noun

Synonyms of flit

• dart
• flutter
• dance
• fly
• flick
• scurry

Examples of flit in a Sentence

butterflies flitting around the garden

The hummingbird flitted from flower to flower.

She was always flitting around the kitchen.

Recent Examples on the Web

Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, and Chace Crawford catapulted to fame playing the scheming social butterflies flitting around Gossip Girl's Upper East Side. —Rachel Desantis, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Apr. 2026

These words are fascinating to consider in relation to Soderbergh, who has flitted among genres and subjects with a facility that is easily mistaken for dilettantism, or even ventriloquism. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026

Rearrange her lyrics and Cates’ intentionally fractured scenes clearly flit between the trepidation, despair, and resigned acceptance familiar to certain locals. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 3 Apr. 2026

Spring's warmth is settling in across southern Michigan, and hummingbirds will soon be flitting about the state. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English flitten, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse flytjask to move, Old English flēotan to float

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing flit

• do a moonlight flit

Rhymes for flit

• bit
• brit
• britt
• chit
• fit
• grit
• hit
• it
• kitt
• knit
• lit
• mitt

Kids Definition

flit

verb

ˈflit 

flitted; flitting

: to move or progress in a quick irregular manner

flit noun