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

These loafers are covered in a striking merlot velvet with leather detailing, and have a chunky rubber sole that adds some retro flair. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025

The menu focuses on South Texas cuisine with a Latin and French flair. —Madalyn Mendoza, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025

The Chiefs embraced this tradition with flair, featuring iconic players like Len Dawson, the quarterback who led the team to its first Super Bowl victory. —Monty Davis, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2025

Patriotic tablecloth: on sale for $7.99 Original price: $9.99 (Amazon) Line your table with patriotic flair. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 16 Jan. 2025

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