flying

1 of 2

adjective

fly·​ing ˈflī-iŋ 

1

a

: moving or capable of moving in the air

b

: moving or made by moving rapidly

flying feet

a flying leap

c

: very brief

2

: intended for ready movement or action

a flying squad car

3

: having stylized wings

—used especially of livestock brand marks

4

: of or relating to the operation of aircraft

a flying club

5

: traversed or to be traversed (as in speed-record trials) after a running start

a flying kilometer

see also:

with flying colors

flying

2 of 2

noun

1

: travel by air

2

: the operation of an aircraft or spacecraft

Synonyms of flying

Adjective

• rushed
• hurried
• headlong
• impulsive
• rash
• reckless
• sudden
• makeshift
• drive-by

Noun

• flight

Examples of flying in a Sentence

Adjective

a story about a flying car

a flying attempt at finishing the work

Noun

had never had the slightest fear of flying

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Researchers also examined measurement techniques for slender flying-wing shapes. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026

Using a brown-paper grocery bag helps contain the mess (fewer bowls, less flying flour). — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 10 Aug. 2026

Noun

Michelle Stoddart–Pool Russell explained that flying is usually deemed the safest way to transport a President because airspaces are normally severely restricted for Air Force One to pass by. — Philip Wang, Time, 11 Aug. 2026

There is even a broom-making workshop, though flying lessons are not a part of it. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing flying

• accusations are flying
• flying boat
• flying bomb
• flying bridge
• flying buttress
• flying fish
• flying fox
• flying gurnard
• flying jib
• flying lemur
• flying machine
• flying mare
• flying officer
• flying saucer
• flying spot
• flying squad
• flying squirrel
• flying start
• flying wedge
• go flying
• high-flying
• instrument flying
• knock someone flying
• rumors are flying
• take a flying leap
• unidentified flying object
• with flying colors

Rhymes for flying

• acidifying
• demystifying
• detoxifying
• disqualifying
• diversifying
• electrifying
• emulsifying
• exemplifying
• identifying
• indemnifying
• intensifying
• objectifying

Kids Definition

flying

adjective

fly·​ing

ˈflī-iŋ

1

a

: moving or made by moving rapidly

a flying leap

b

: hasty sense 1a

a flying visit

2

: ready to move or act quickly

a flying squad car