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

• adventure
• chance
• crapshoot
• enterprise
• flutter [chiefly British]
• gamble
• speculation
• 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

As a frequent flier, the most important part of my travel outfits is my footwear. —Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2025

All the affected homeowners allegedly were sent a six-page flier with the details of the new plan and a protest form on page 6 that could be cut out, filled in and snail-mailed to the city clerk’s office. —Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 June 2025

The Transportation Security Administration has warned fliers that the Costco card is not an acceptable alternative. —Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 9 June 2025

For example, fliers staying a single night in Doha can choose between the Standard option (which includes a four-star hotel for $14 per person) or the Luxury option (a five-star hotel for $83 per person). —Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 9 June 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