flier

noun

fli·​er ˈflī(-ə)r 

variants or less commonly flyer

1

: one that flies

She's a frequent flier on that airline.

specifically : airman

He was a flier on an aircraft carrier.

2

: a reckless or speculative venture

—usually used in the phrase take a flier

He took a flier in politics soon after getting his degree.

3

usually flyer : an advertising circular

Flyers announcing the concert were distributed throughout the city.

Synonyms

• chance
• gamble
• throw
• venture

Examples of flier in a Sentence

These birds are graceful fliers.

They distributed flyers announcing the concert throughout the city.

Recent Examples on the Web

The trade market isn't much better, however 10-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson may be worth a flier after the New York Giants benched him earlier this week in favor of rookie Jaxson Dart, as Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report proposed. —Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025

The agency has already selected a group of veteran fliers for Artemis II, a test mission that will fly around the moon as soon as next year. —Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025

In one clip, the coach is passing out fliers on campus for a women’s soccer game. —Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025

All frequent fliers need a flowing pair of wide-leg pants, like the ultracomfy Lightweight Wide-leg Cropped Pants by Crz Yoga. —Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing flier

• frequent-flier
• take a flier

Rhymes for flier

• briar
• brier
• buyer
• choir
• crier
• cryer
• drier
• dryer
• eyer
• flyer
• friar
• frier

Kids Definition

flier

noun

fli·​er

variants also flyer

ˈflī(-ə)r

1

: one that flies

especially : pilot entry 1 sense 3

2

: an undertaking (as in business) that involves much risk

3

: an advertising circular