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

See Examples For:

flyover

There was a military flyover, fireworks and a cacophony of cowbells among the 60,000 crowd - a long-held tradition at Mississippi State.

From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026

It all started with the usual razzmatazz that has come to be seen at United States' World Cup games - a boisterous and patriotic fanbase, fireworks, smoke flares and a military flyover.

From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026

Scavino posted on X in June that he was looking forward to doing the flyover, and Isaacman responded with an American flag emoji.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 5, 2026

In an interview, Isaacman said there was no question about whether the flyover could be conducted safely, citing the number of F-5s in operation worldwide and their decades of service.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 5, 2026

“Thanks for bringing him. Sarah and Rose went to do a flyover of the Drowned Forest, see if they can find any stragglers. You get something to eat?”

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia