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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of flyover

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

Example Sentences

Dealerships in flyover states, for example, have less demand than those in big cities, which can bring prices down.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

There were fireworks, there was a flyover, there was Will Ferrell screaming and Keith Williams Jr. crooning and four months of cheers unleashed by fans wearing championship belts and howling grins.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Or when towns across America feel as though they’re living in what others consider flyover country.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived at the White House to fanfare and a jet flyover Tuesday, in his first visit to the United States since the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

From Barron's • Nov. 18, 2025

On the first of June, airplanes flyover the city, extremely high, crawling through the stratus clouds.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr