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; fragrant

Example Sentences

These details, combined with Wainwright’s creative flair, have helped to create a space that is not only aspirational, but also inspirational.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

The Latin teams play with more flair, which is great.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

Be sure to end the meal with the banana pagoda, a playful dessert presented in a chocolate box that’s smashed tableside for a bit of theatrical flair.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2026

Peter writes for the Icons column, which covers exhibitions and other art-related topics, as well as the Exhibit column, which briefly looks at large-format books with a visual flair.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

“She has a certain flair for the dramatic.”

From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs

Related Words

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