flair

noun

ˈfler 

1

: a skill or instinctive ability to appreciate or make good use of something : talent

a flair for color

also : inclination, tendency

a flair for the dramatic

2

: a uniquely attractive quality : style

fashionable dresses with a flair all their own

Montreal is a city noted for its … European flair

—Bruce Minorgan

Did you know?

In the 14th century, if someone told you that you had flair (or flayre as it was then commonly spelled), you might very well take offense. This is because in Middle English flayre meant "an odor." The word is derived from the Old French verb flairier ("to give off an odor"), which came, in turn, from Late Latin flagrare, itself an alteration of fragrare. (The English words fragrant and fragrance also derive from fragrare.) The "odor" sense of flair fell out of use, but in the 19th century, English speakers once again borrowed flair from the French—this time (influenced by the Modern French use of the word for the sense of smell) to indicate a discriminating sense or instinctive discernment.

Synonyms

• aptitude
• bent
• endowment
• faculty
• genius
• gift
• head
• knack
• talent

Examples of flair in a Sentence

a restaurant with a European flair

a person with a flair for making friends quickly

Recent Examples on the Web

Her boundless ambition drives her to enhance her artistic repertoire through collaborations with new composers and artists who can add their flair to her work. —Omar Baqbouq, Billboard, 1 Nov. 2024

Governed by Neptune, the planet of fantasy and film, Pisces is naturally drawn to iconic characters and cinematic flair, and Nyong’o’s choice proves that life really does imitate art. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 28 Oct. 2024

Despite its enviable regal flair, Madrid has lower tourism pressure, making dining out more affordable. —Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024

After World War II ended, the Harvard Five, a handful of innovative alumni of the Harvard School of Design, decided New Canaan, Connecticut, was the perfect place to experiment with modern architectural designs, producing over 80 homes with unique flair. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, sense of smell, from Old French, odor, from flairier to give off an odor, from Late Latin flagrare, alteration of Latin fragrare

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

flair

noun

ˈfla(ə)r 

ˈfle(ə)r

: natural ability