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

• chance
• gamble
• throw
• venture

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

Once the pests arrive, an outdoor fans work surprisingly well for keeping them away, since mosquitoes are weak fliers and avoid wind. —Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 11 Oct. 2025

How is their scrap-heap surveying so much better than Colorado, which got value out of outfielder Mickey Moniak this season, but largely whiffed on all their other fliers? —Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2025

From a polished tote for the business class flier to a camp-ready fit for the outdoor enthusiast, these five ensembles are ready for your next adventure—starting at just $13. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025

There are the five aforementioned first-rounders and then a couple of fliers on guys in the late rounds. —Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 2 Oct. 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