flyover

[ flahy-oh-ver ]

/ ˈflaɪˌoʊ vər /

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noun

a formation of aircraft in flight for observation from the ground, especially a prearranged, low-altitude flight over a public gathering.

a flight over a simulated target by a bomber or bombing planes.

a flight over a specified area, as for viewing: We booked a one-hour flyover of the Grand Canyon.

the action of passing or flying overhead: rumors of another UFO flyover.

British. an overhead crossing, especially a highway overpass.

adjective

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.

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Origin of flyover

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

Words nearby flyover

Flynn, flyoff, fly off the handle, fly on the wall, fly orchid, flyover, flypaper, flypast, flyposting, fly press, fly rail

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use flyover in a sentence

Three pictures scan the interiors of parking garages, another a parking lot and the last a highway framed by flyover ramps.
In the galleries: Biennial survey celebrates Mid-Atlantic artists of many mediums|Mark Jenkins|October 29, 2021|Washington Post
One study used gravitational readings and the other microwave data from Juno’s Microwave Radiometer instrument during recent flyovers of the storm.
Juno finally got close enough to Jupiter’s Great Red Spot to measure its depth|Leto Sapunar|October 28, 2021|Popular-Science
A flyover will take place over the cemetery during the procession.
Arlington Cemetery to recreate solemn 1921 procession to Tomb of the Unknowns|Michael Ruane|October 27, 2021|Washington Post
This bridge, however, doesn’t span a stream or send pedestrians along a flyover.
This Swiss bridge proves it’s possible to reuse concrete|Rahul Rao|October 18, 2021|Popular-Science

In the late 1960s, late NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle introduced flyovers and mandated that players stand with their helmets tucked under their left arms and right hands over their hearts.
How do Americans feel about the anthem at sporting events? It depends which Americans you ask.|Michael Lee, Scott Clement, Emily Guskin|May 21, 2021|Washington Post
There will be prayers, a moment of silence, bagpipes and a military flyover.
Dallas Lays Elaborate but Dignified Plans to Celebrate Assassination Anniversary|Helen Anders|November 2, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Wall Street has botched another initial public offering of a flyover-country food company.
Wall Street Gets Punked Again With Sprouts Farmers Market IPO|Daniel Gross|August 7, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The next time you see an initial public offering from a food company based in flyover country, tell your broker you want in.
Wall Street Gets Punked Again With Sprouts Farmers Market IPO|Daniel Gross|August 7, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Great Plains By Ian Frazier In a journey of 25,000 miles, Frazier makes flyover country a magical place.
Book Bag: Timothy Egan’s Five Favorite Travel Books|Timothy Egan|October 23, 2012|DAILY BEAST
But, like turn-by-turn navigation, Flyover will run only on the 4S and newer iPads.
Apple’s Move to Spite Google and Use Its Own Map Software Hurts Customers|Dan Lyons|June 21, 2012|DAILY BEAST
She could only see half a mile south, because Flyover Point blocked the view.
A Young Man in a Hurry|Robert W. Chambers
High in the thickening sky wild ducks passed over Flyover Point and dropped into the sheltered marshes among the cypress.
A Young Man in a Hurry|Robert W. Chambers

British Dictionary definitions for flyover

flyover

/ (ˈflaɪˌəʊvə) /

noun

Also called: overpass British

an intersection of two roads at which one is carried over the other by a bridge
such a bridge

the US name for fly-past

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012