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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
Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2025
Adding to the character of the region, Southerners also find comfort in gatherings that exhibit flair and poise, and there’s a penchant for tradition, which immortalizes intimate conversations, unhurried afternoons and, of course, elegant tea experiences.
—Kathryn Streeter, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
For the past two seasons, Chelsea supporters have worried where the flair will come from if Cole Palmer was not in the side.
—Simon Johnson, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Fans embraced the aesthetic with their own flair—from iconic double denim and bootcut jeans to timeless Western shirts, cowboy hats and boots—often customizing looks with rhinestones, embroidery, fringe details and flashy bandana prints.
—Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flair
Cite this Entry
“Flair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flair. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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flair
noun
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