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

See Examples For:

flyover

But in many ways, the World Cup did a better job of highlighting what the world loves about America than any military flyover ever could.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 18, 2026

Namaygoosisagagun First Nation Chief Helen Paavola told local news outlet CityNews in an interview that an aerial flyover showed that her community has been "burnt to ashes".

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

Britain's King Charles III laid on a state visit for Trump at Windsor Castle in September 2025 complete with yet another flyover and lashings of pomp and ceremony.

From Barron's ● Jul. 7, 2026

“It’s clear the president wanted the grandest flyover ever,” Isaacman said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 5, 2026

Marina Raskova was given the Soviet Union’s first state funeral of the war, with Moscow city and Soviet state officials in attendance, a thundering salute of guns, and an air force flyover.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein