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

The Angels have reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with former All-Star closer Kirby Yates, a move that continues their offseason trend of taking low-risk fliers on players looking to bounce back from disappointing seasons. —Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 30 Dec. 2025

At Midway, heavy fog earlier caused problems for morning fliers — not ideal as passengers tried to travel for the tail end of this holiday weekend. —Sara MacHi, CBS News, 28 Dec. 2025

From short hops to international hauls, economy seats to business cabins, frequent fliers know that comfort, preparedness, and a touch of strategy make all the difference between a smooth trip and a travel nightmare. —Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2025

View White's Silent Witness flier. —Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 19 Dec. 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