flit

verb

ˈflit 

flitted; flitting

intransitive verb

1

: to pass quickly or abruptly from one place or condition to another

2

archaic : alter, shift

3

: to move in an erratic fluttering manner

flit noun

Synonyms

• dance
• dart
• flick
• flicker
• flirt
• flitter
• flutter
• zip

Examples of flit in a Sentence

butterflies flitting around the garden

The hummingbird flitted from flower to flower.

She was always flitting around the kitchen.

Recent Examples on the Web

While gopher tortoises can be encountered in abundance during a visit to the park, guests can also marvel at its longleaf pine forests, with bird species like the downy woodpecker and red-breasted nuthatch found flitting from tree to tree. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

Almost all of Nickel Boys plays out from Elwood’s and Turner’s direct perspectives, sometimes flitting between the two boys within the same scene. —K. Austin Collins, The Atlantic, 13 Dec. 2024

What better way to enjoy the winter months than by observing various birds of all colors flitting from tree to feeder? —Brittany Vanderbill, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024

The incoherence of Trump’s thinking is reflected in the incoherence of his speech, which in rallies and interviews flits from one topic to another for no apparent reason. —Jacob Sullum, Orange County Register, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English flitten, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse flytjask to move, Old English flēotan to float

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing flit

• do a moonlight flit

Kids Definition

flit

verb

ˈflit 

flitted; flitting

: to move or progress in a quick irregular manner

flit noun