flyover

[flahy-oh-ver]

noun

1. a formation of aircraft in flight for observation from the ground, especially a prearranged, low-altitude flight over a public gathering.

2. a flight over a simulated target by a bomber or bombing planes.

3. a flight over a specified area, as for viewing.

   We booked a one-hour flyover of the Grand Canyon.

4. the action of passing or flying overhead.

   rumors of another UFO flyover.

5. British.,  an overhead crossing, especially a highway overpass.

adjective

1. Informal: Usually Disparaging.,  noting a state or region of the United States between the East and West Coasts that is not typically considered to be a tourist destination and is flown over during transcontinental flights.

   You know, some of the most prestigious universities are located in flyover country, so try not to be such an East Coast snob.

flyover

/ ˈflaɪˌəʊvə /

noun

1. Also called: overpass. 

   1. an intersection of two roads at which one is carried over the other by a bridge

   2. such a bridge

2. the US name for fly-past

Word History and Origins

Origin of flyover¹

First recorded in 1900–05; noun and adjective use of verb phrase fly over

Example Sentences

“The flyover states are sort of dictating the future right now. At what point do you not acknowledge that they’re important?”

Read more on Salon

“I’m down by the water and I feel the jets while they do their flyover, and the rumble — your body shakes like a building when there’s an earthquake,” Cardena said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Joan Maxwell, a dairy farmer from Davenport in Iowa, says that her area is too often viewed as "flyover country".

Read more on BBC

He welcomed Putin to Alaska last month with a stealth bomber flyover and a red carpet lined with US military jets.

Read more on BBC

This was followed by a tribute to the tournament hosts, including the US national anthem, a colour guard, a military flyover and a dazzling firework display.

Read more on BBC