flair

noun

1
: a skill or instinctive ability to appreciate or make good use of something : talent
a flair for color
also : inclination, tendency
a flair for the dramatic
2
: a uniquely attractive quality : style
fashionable dresses with a flair all their own
Montreal is a city noted for its … European flairBruce Minorgan

Did you know?

In the 14th century, if someone told you that you had flair (or flayre as it was then commonly spelled), you might very well take offense. This is because in Middle English flayre meant "an odor." The word is derived from the Old French verb flairier ("to give off an odor"), which came, in turn, from Late Latin flagrare, itself an alteration of fragrare. (The English words fragrant and fragrance also derive from fragrare.) The "odor" sense of flair fell out of use, but in the 19th century, English speakers once again borrowed flair from the French—this time (influenced by the Modern French use of the word for the sense of smell) to indicate a discriminating sense or instinctive discernment.

Examples of flair in a Sentence

a restaurant with a European flair a person with a flair for making friends quickly
Recent Examples on the Web Full of music, dancing, festive floats, vibrant marching contingents and creative flair, the event celebrates LGBTQ+ people and their contributions to community and culture. Zoë Cranfill, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2024 The Lismore Essence Champagne Flute Pair is crafted with high-quality clear crystal and includes a simple yet elegant design at the base to add a bit of flair to your wedding drinkware. Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 May 2024 Inside, the cars are filled with local flair, from Peruvian tapestries (made from alpaca wool) on the bed to pisco sours served in the rear observation bar car. Cailey Rizzo, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2024 Habibi will have a distinct Moorish vibe, with the style and flair of northern Africa, thanks to Mark Lehmkuhl of Ghosthouse Design Group and Love Lake Studios, who collaborated on the look. Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 21 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for flair 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flair.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, sense of smell, from Old French, odor, from flairier to give off an odor, from Late Latin flagrare, alteration of Latin fragrare

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flair was in 1881

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Dictionary Entries Near flair

Cite this Entry

“Flair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flair. Accessed 15 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

flair

noun
ˈfla(ə)r How to pronounce flair (audio)
ˈfle(ə)r
: natural ability

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