flyover

American  

[flahy-oh-ver] / ˈflaɪˌoʊ vər /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of flyover

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

Example Sentences

The next book on my list of things to read is “The View from Flyover Country.”

From Seattle Times • Apr. 2, 2023

It’s the epitome of rural Flyover Country, too often dismissed and caricatured by outsiders.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2023

The views, which remind me of Apple Maps’ Flyover feature, give you an overhead look at landmarks in cities including Barcelona, London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo, according to Google.

From The Verge • Jul. 27, 2022

The alert started after police received reports of a suspicious object in the Lecky Flyover on Sunday.

From BBC • Jul. 3, 2022

She could only see half a mile south, because Flyover Point blocked the view.

From A Young Man in a Hurry and Other Short Stories by Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)