flyaway
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /flˈaɪəwˌeɪ/
US
- /flˈaɪəwˌeɪ/
Meanings
Adjective
light, loose, and hard to keep smooth, especially of hair
loose, open, or flaring away from the body, especially of clothing
relating to the ready-to-use cost of an aircraft
Noun
a loose strand of hair that sticks out from the rest
a gymnastics dismount involving a release into a flip
Beyond the definition
The word "flyaway" is most often used for small strands of hair that do not stay in place. On a dry day or in a light wind, a few fine hairs may lift up and sit away from the rest, and those loose strands are called "flyaways." It can also describe something light and wispy that is easily moved by the air.
You may also see it used for things that seem ready to blow or float away, such as very light fabric or bits of fluff. The feeling behind the word is soft, light, and a little hard to control, rather than serious or dramatic.
The word "flyaway" usually brings to mind fine hairs that lift up and separate from the rest of the hair. If you brush your hair neatly but a few soft strands still stick out around your head, those are "flyaways." This is the most common everyday use, especially in beauty and hair-care contexts.
The word can also work as an adjective for anything light, loose, or easy for the wind to move. A "flyaway" piece of fabric may flutter with the slightest breeze. A bit of fluff, a thin feather, or a dry leaf can also have that same light, drifting quality. In these uses, the word suggests something soft and not fully under control.
Sometimes "flyaway" is used as a noun, especially in the plural form "flyaways," to mean the loose little hairs themselves. For example, someone might use spray or oil to smooth down their flyaways before going out. This noun use is very common in natural English.
Overall, "flyaway" is a simple, visual word. It describes something small, light, and likely to lift, drift, or stick out, especially when speaking about hair. It is not usually used for deep abstract ideas; it mainly stays close to physical things you can see, notice, and smooth back into place.
Examples
- 1
Dry weather
My hair always gets flyaway in dry weather.
- 2
Loose hairs
There were a few flyaways around her ponytail.
- 3
Hair product
This serum helps tame flyaways without making your hair greasy.
- Patterntame flyaways
make loose hairs lie flat
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- flyawayadjective