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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.
Examples of flair in a Sentence
Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
With Shondaland’s signature flair and Paul William Davies’ sharp script, the show moves fast, keeps you guessing, and lets its ensemble shine without ever losing its center.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 30 Mar. 2025
Look no further than these vintage-style loafers that will give your outfit classic flair thanks to their timeless design.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025
Kelly Clarkson Home Nancy Glass Coffee Table $84 $74 at Wayfair
The glass coffee table’s modern look is simple enough to be paired with other interior design styles, while the steel frame and geometric design add a unique flair to any room.
—Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flair
Cite this Entry
“Flair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flair. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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flair
noun
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