flier

noun

fli·​er ˈflī(-ə)r How to pronounce flier (audio)
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.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for flier

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flier was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flier. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on flier

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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