as the crow flies

phrase

Synonyms of as the crow fliesnext
: in a straight line

Word History

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of as the crow flies was in 1773

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Cite this Entry

“As the crow flies.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/as%20the%20crow%20flies. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Definition revised
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