flit

[ flit ]

verb (used without object)

, flit·ted, flit·ting.

1. to move lightly and swiftly; fly, dart, or skim along:

   bees flitting from flower to flower.

2. to flutter, as a bird.
3. to pass quickly, as time:

   hours flitting by.

4. Chiefly Scot. and North England.
   1. to depart or die.
   2. to change one's residence.

verb (used with object)

, flit·ted, flit·ting.

1. Chiefly Scot. to remove; transfer; oust or dispossess.

noun

1. a light, swift movement; flutter.
2. Scot. and North England. a change of residence; instance of moving to a new address.
3. Slang: Extremely Disparaging and Offensive. a contemptuous term used to refer to a gay man.

flit

/ flɪt /

verb

1. to move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart
2. to fly rapidly and lightly; flutter
3. to pass quickly; fleet

   a memory flitted into his mind

4. dialect.
   to move house
5. informal.
   to depart hurriedly and stealthily in order to avoid obligations
6. an informal word for elope

noun

1. the act or an instance of flitting
2. slang.
   a male homosexual
3. informal.
   a hurried and stealthy departure in order to avoid obligations (esp in the phrase do a flit )
4. See moonlight flit

Derived Forms

• ˈflitter, noun

Other Words From

• flitting·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of flit¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English flitten, from Old Norse flytja “to carry, convey,” Swedish flytta; fleet ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of flit¹

C12: from Old Norse flytja to carry

Synonym Study

See fly ².

Example Sentences

Her lack of glamour is in sharp contrast to Scherzinger’s Norma, who flits about like a vampire in a black slip dress.

From Los Angeles Times

At the end of our interview, he stands up, ready to leave, and for the first time, a flicker of concern, or perhaps irritation, seems to flit across his face.

From BBC

Fleet, flitting here and there, in front of the orchestra and behind, her Puck seems to become the toh bird.

From Los Angeles Times

We’re treated to glimpses of a life—career, fame and adoration—as it flits past our eyes.

From Salon

Cinnamon's Friday 13th flit from Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World in Shropshire has inspired memes, merchandise, and a song, which staff have on repeat.

From BBC

Related Words

• dart
• flicker
• flitter
• flutter
• hover
• skip
• whiz
• zip