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

This two-toned set from Amazon adds a bit of fashion flair to the typical spring formula without sacrificing comfort. —Averi Baudler, Peoplemag, 11 Apr. 2024

Jones layers on the realism with the inconspicuous flair of a great portrait painter, who can capture the soul of a subject through the cut of her dress and the glint of intent in her eyes. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024

Best for: Moms who love gourmet cooking and appreciate high-quality cookware, offering a versatile and stylish Dutch oven for creating delicious meals with precision and flair. —Bethany Braun-Silva, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2024

Callahan also shares Cusk’s flair for seeding strange and piquant details into the speech of her narrator’s interlocutors. —Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2024

The button-front closure allows for versatile styling, while the rib detailing at the cuffs and hem adds a little flair. —Katrina Cossey, Parents, 1 Apr. 2024

Aroma Experience 885 Monon Green Blvd., Suite 108, Carmel, opened March 12 Aroma Indian Cuisine opened its third location in the Indianapolis area at Carmel City Center, introducing an upscale flair to its menu. —The Indianapolis Star, 1 Apr. 2024

His father composed the music to add some dramatic flair. —Gene Park, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2024

For even though many similar dishes may be found around town, Schutz, a native of Lausanne, Switzerland, shows a finesse and creativity that transforms every one of them with dazzling flair. —John Mariani, Forbes, 28 Mar. 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