flit

verb

flitted; flitting

intransitive verb

1
: to pass quickly or abruptly from one place or condition to another
2
archaic : alter, shift
3
: to move in an erratic fluttering manner
flit noun

Examples of flit in a Sentence

butterflies flitting around the garden The hummingbird flitted from flower to flower. She was always flitting around the kitchen.
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.
Following the Tony Awards, many attendees flitted off to cast celebrations and the official MoMA party before landing at the annual event at the Carlyle, hosted by Rick Miramontez and John Gore. Emily Burns, Footwear News, 9 June 2025 The episode flits back and forth between tour preparation, performances and home footage from Cooper’s childhood. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 June 2025 Meanwhile, Van and Tai have abandoned both of their jobs and are sort of just flitting through life. Erin Qualey, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025 Those skills apparently translate fairly easily into urban environments, where Cooper’s hawks flit amid trees and concrete landscapes, stalking city pigeons and doves. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for flit

Word History

Etymology

Middle English flitten, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse flytjask to move, Old English flēotan to float

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flit was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flit. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

flit

verb
flitted; flitting
: to move or progress in a quick irregular manner
flit noun

More from Merriam-Webster on flit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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