flyer

American  

[flahy-er] / ˈflaɪ ər /

noun

1. Textiles.

   1. a rotating device that adds twist to the slubbing or roving and winds the stock onto a spindle or bobbin in a uniform manner.

   2. a similar device for adding twist to yarn.

2. flier.

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flyer British  

/ ˈflaɪə /

noun

1. a person or thing that flies or moves very fast

2. an aviator or pilot

3. informal a long flying leap; bound

4. a fast-moving machine part, esp one having periodic motion

5. a rectangular step in a straight flight of stairs Compare winder

6. athletics an informal word for flying start

7. a speculative business transaction

8. a small handbill

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Etymology

Origin of flyer

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; fly ², -er ¹

Explanation

A flyer can be something or someone that flies on a plane, but another meaning is a handbill or advertising sheet handed out to people on the street. Because it's designed to go far, it gained the name flyer. As far back as the 15th Century, Middle English used the word flyer to refer to something that travels quickly through the air, generally a bird or projectile. The connection with a person came about later, when air travel became more common. If you are a frequent flyer, you travel a lot. If you frequently post flyers, maybe you're in a band. Note: it doesn't matter if you spell the word flyer or "flier," as both are correct, but don't use both in one piece of writing.

Example Sentences

By early February of that year, the company was days away from announcing its new plan to car dealers, including a fax-based marketing plan and promotional flyer, ready for final approval.

From Salon • Mar. 30, 2026

The bloc lets diplomats rack up frequent flyer miles, and politicians pose for pictures with other leaders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

"I'm an anxious flyer at the best of times," last year's Australian Open champion told BBC Sport.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

Now, all it takes is for a content page to drop a flyer and poof: a crowd that can swallow the park whole.

From Slate • Feb. 28, 2026

For a brief instant I think it might be from our parents, but it’s just a flyer calling for an emergency community meeting later today.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Related Words

• flier