flitted; flitting
Synonyms of flit

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Behold the plight of the Ryan Murphy character, cursed to behave nonsensically and flit wildly from plotline to plotline based on the writer’s whims. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 City juggled negotiations with Gakpo and Ndiaye in the past seven days, enabling them to flit between the two depending on who was most desired or, in the event, most realistic. Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Jeffrey said his father flits about from KC to his 35 international restaurants, which are located in the Middle East, Asia and beyond. Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 Accented by aged brass and deep brown marble, the lamp easily flits between retro and moodier contemporary styles. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flit

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of flit was in the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flit. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

flitted; flitting
: to move or progress in a quick irregular manner
flit noun
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