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

Frontier Airlines has announced big changes to accommodate frequent fliers in 2025, including first-class seating and other perks. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 Dec. 2024

Our guide features top picks that frequent fliers will truly appreciate. —Simon Hill, WIRED, 5 Dec. 2024

To help reduce stress among travelers, one Oregon hub is offering unique emotional support animals to calm fliers’ nerves. —Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Nov. 2024

Premium-class fliers can snag some of these freebies along with their flights. —Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing flier

• frequent-flier
• take a flier

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