flyer
Americannoun
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flyers
plural
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Textiles.
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a rotating device that adds twist to the slubbing or roving and winds the stock onto a spindle or bobbin in a uniform manner.
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a similar device for adding twist to yarn.
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noun
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a person or thing that flies or moves very fast
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an aviator or pilot
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informal a long flying leap; bound
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a fast-moving machine part, esp one having periodic motion
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a rectangular step in a straight flight of stairs Compare winder
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athletics an informal word for flying start
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a speculative business transaction
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a small handbill
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of flyer
late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; see origin at 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.
Vocabulary lists containing flyer
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The inconsiderate behavior of his fellow flyer made me irritated.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2026
"The flyer said 'it's the toughest job in the world' and I thought yes it is, how can you help?'"
From BBC ● Oct. 4, 2026
She’s not a good flyer and has always driven.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026
Recently, I watched someone stop on the street to read a flyer for a Repair Fair.
From Salon ● Sep. 6, 2026
Master scribbled a note on the back of a flyer and left it on the table.
From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
"I'm getting texts. I'm getting phone calls. I'm getting emails. I'm getting flyers against both of them," Huser said.
From Barron's ● Oct. 27, 2026
There were still flyers around the neighborhood celebrating the grand opening of the Lantern Bar, which had been scheduled for July 25.
From Slate ● Oct. 26, 2026
Instead of evolving primarily to become better flyers, ancient birds were adapting to a variety of environments and ways of life, including those that favored living on the ground.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 24, 2026
"We have no way to know whether they posted flyers they were meant to. Or whether they gave us correct door knocking information," he said.
From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026
“Also, I got trained in first aid last year with my Girl Scout troop! I don’t have the certificate or anything, but it still sounds cool. We could include that on our flyers, right?”
From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
