flair

American  

[flair] / flɛər /

noun

1. 

   a natural talent, aptitude, or ability; bent; knack.

   a flair for rhyming.

2. smartness of style, manner, etc..

   Their window display has absolutely no flair at all.

   Synonyms:

   pizazz, oomph, verve, panache, dash, chic

3. keen, intuitive perception or discernment.

   We want a casting director with a real flair for finding dramatic talent.

4. Hunting. scent; sense of smell.

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flair ¹ British  

/ flɛə /

noun

1. natural ability; talent; aptitude

2. instinctive discernment; perceptiveness

3. stylishness or elegance; dash

   to dress with flair

4. rare hunting

   1. the scent left by quarry

   2. the sense of smell of a hound

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flair ² British  

/ flIr /

noun

1. a Scot word for floor

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Etymology

Origin of flair

First recorded before 1350–1400; Middle English, from French, Old French: “scent,” noun derivative of flairier “to reek,” ultimately from unattested Vulgar Latin flāgrāre, dissimilated variant of Latin frāgrāre; see origin at fragrant

Explanation

Use the word flair to refer to someone’s knack or natural talent for something. Someone might have a flair for throwing fantastic parties, or a flair for solving complex math problems. Something or someone with flair is flashy, catchy and full of energy. But oddly enough, flair meant "odor" when it originated in the mid 14th century. It wasn’t until 1925 that the word came to mean a distinctive talent, elegant style or dashing ability. So maybe think of someone absolutely reeking of style and panache — but in a good way.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

flair

Director Susanne Bier has none of Griffin Dunne’s stylistic flair.

From Salon ● Sep. 14, 2026

While Jamie Vardy scored the goals and Riyad Mahrez brought the flair, it was the diminutive Frenchman's energy and ability to always be in the right place that set the tone.

From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2026

JPMorgan brings expertise from its own network of upscale Chase Sapphire airport lounges, and Southwest executives said the experience in its lounges will be comparable, with some Southwest flair.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026

Curry maintained many of those original design details, while adding his own eccentric flair to the home, including several bold-hued rooms, like a dark persimmon dining space and a soft green living area.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 31, 2026

Each one adds her own flair to it—a brooch, a colored sash—but underneath we all know it's The Dress.

From "What the Night Sings" by Vesper Stamper

Related Words

• ability
• aptitude
• elegance
• genius
• gift
• glamour
• knack
• mastery
• taste