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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
Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025
The 2025 version sticks with the mountain theme but adds some flair.
—David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025
Manchester United have witnessed his cheeky, South American flair first-hand after Cunha’s Olimpico goal gave Wolves the lead in their Boxing Day clash this season.
—Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
The asymmetrical, knee-length hem also adds another touch of flair.
—Shalwah Evans, People.com, 10 Apr. 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 18 Apr. 2025.
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flair
noun
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