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 of flier

• gamble
• chance
• venture
• throw

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

Many airlines have put travel waiver programs in place that allow fliers to reschedule their trips at no cost. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 24 Jan. 2026

Legroom allotments have been steadily decreasing over the years in order for airlines to boost profits, despite the complaints of fliers. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2026

Mosquitoes and many other pests are not strong fliers and can be kept away from porches with the addition of a strong fan. —Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 21 Jan. 2026

The strategies and statistics that can help ease a fear of flying, according to psychologists, aviation experts, and nervous fliers themselves. —Sophie Prideaux, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Jan. 2026

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