flair

noun

ˈfler

Synonyms of flair next

: a skill or instinctive ability to appreciate or make good use of something : talent

a flair for color

also : inclination, tendency

a flair for the dramatic

: a uniquely attractive quality : style

fashionable dresses with a flair all their own

Montreal is a city noted for its … European flair—

Bruce Minorgan

Did you know?

In the 14th century, if someone told you that you had flair (or flayre as it was then commonly spelled), you might very well take offense. This is because in Middle English flayre meant "an odor." The word is derived from the Old French verb flairier ("to give off an odor"), which came, in turn, from Late Latin flagrare, itself an alteration of fragrare. (The English words fragrant and fragrance also derive from fragrare.) The "odor" sense of flair fell out of use, but in the 19th century, English speakers once again borrowed flair from the French—this time (influenced by the Modern French use of the word for the sense of smell) to indicate a discriminating sense or instinctive discernment.

Examples of flair in a Sentence

a restaurant with a European flair a person with a flair for making friends quickly

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.

Miranda has become Disney’s go-to composer in the years since Hamilton, bringing his signature style of old-school musical theater mashed up with contemporary hip-hop flair. —

Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 17 Dec. 2024 Again, this case is designed to showcase the PC parts and the other flair. —

Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 16 Dec. 2024 Florida Citrus Sports, the organization behind two of Orlando's three bowl games, has also embraced the food flair. —

Peter Burke, Fox News, 16 Dec. 2024 These timeless projects and decorating ideas bring together the familiarity of classic traditions and a touch of retro flair. —

Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flair

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, sense of smell, from Old French, odor, from flairier to give off an odor, from Late Latin flagrare, alteration of Latin fragrare

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of flair was in 1881

See more words from the same year