flying

¹flying

adjective

Definition of FLYING

1

a : moving or capable of moving in the air

b : moving or made by moving rapidly <flying feet> <a flying leap>

c : very brief

2

: intended for ready movement or action <a flying squad car>

3

: having stylized wings —used especially of livestock brand marks

4

: of or relating to the operation of aircraft <a flying club>

5

: traversed or to be traversed (as in speed-record trials) after a running start <a flying kilometer>

— with flying colors

: with complete or eminent success

Examples of FLYING

1. a story about a flying car
2. <a flying attempt at finishing the work>

First Known Use of FLYING

before 12th century

Related to FLYING

Synonyms

cursory, drive-by, hasty, gadarene, headlong, helter-skelter, hurried, overhasty, pell-mell, precipitate, precipitous, rash, rushed

Antonyms

deliberate, unhurried, unrushed

Related Words

breakneck, breathtaking; headstrong, heady, hotheaded, impatient, impetuous, impulsive, madcap, reckless, unadvised; quick, rapid, speedy, swift; horseback, impromptu, makeshift, offhand, offhanded, off-the-cuff, rush, slapdash, snap, spontaneous, spur-of-the-moment; abrupt, sudden

Near Antonyms

calculated, calculating, measured; circumspect, foresighted, forethoughtful; drawn-out, extended, long-term, prolonged; faltering, hesitant, hesitating, tentative; dallying, dawdling, laggard, leisurely, poky (or pokey), shilly-shallying, slow

Rhymes with FLYING

crying, lying, trying

²flying

noun

Definition of FLYING

1

: travel by air

2

: the operation of an aircraft or spacecraft

Examples of FLYING

1. <had never had the slightest fear of flying>

First Known Use of FLYING

1548