WordGarden.ioflier
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /flˈaɪə/
US
- /ˈflaɪər/
Meanings
Noun
a small printed notice or advertisement handed out or posted
a person who travels in or operates an aircraft
a person, animal, or thing that flies
More meaningsFewer meanings
(informal)a risky investment, guess, or venture taken on a chance
Beyond the definition
A "flier" has a few common meanings. It can mean a person who flies an aircraft, and it can also mean a person traveling by air, as in "frequent flier." On the ground, a flier is also a small printed ad or notice handed out or posted in public. In another common phrase, "take a flier" means to take a chance on something that may or may not work. Whether it is about air travel, a paper notice, or a risky try, the word usually suggests movement, publicity, or chance.
The word "flier" has several related meanings, most of them connected either to flying or to taking a chance. First, it can mean a person who flies an aircraft, such as a pilot or aviator. It can also mean a person who travels by air, especially in the phrase "frequent flier." When you picture someone regularly in the sky, either working there or traveling there, "flier" can fit.
Beyond people, "flier" is also a common word for a printed advertisement or notice, especially a small sheet handed out or posted in public. These are often used to spread the word about an event, product, service, or meeting. You might see fliers on a community board, in shop windows, or passed out on the street.
In some cases, "flier" can also mean something moving through the air, though this use is less central than the others. In addition, the phrase "take a flier" means to take a chance on something uncertain, such as an idea, an investment, or a new plan. A person who buys a risky stock or tries an unproven idea might be taking a flier.
The spelling point is worth noting: "flier" and "flyer" are both accepted, and many people use them interchangeably. "Flyer" is often more common in everyday modern writing, but "flier" remains a standard spelling, especially in set phrases like "frequent flier." Overall, the word can point to a person in the air, a printed notice, or an act of risk.
Examples
- 1
Printed handouts
Someone was handing out fliers for a new pizza place outside the station.
- 2
Notice board
I saw your flier on the notice board and signed up for the class.
- 3
Airline rewards
She saved enough frequent-flier miles to book a free flight to Chicago.
- Phrasefrequent-flier miles
points you earn by flying with an airline
- 4
Investment risk
Investors were reluctant to take a flier on such a young company.
- Patterntake a flier on + person/project
take a risk on it
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- fliernoun
Forms
- flierspluralnoun