flyer

American  

[flahy-er] / ˈflaɪ ər /

noun

1. Textiles.

   1. a rotating device that adds twist to the slubbing or roving and winds the stock onto a spindle or bobbin in a uniform manner.

   2. a similar device for adding twist to yarn.

2. flier.

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flyer British  

/ ˈflaɪə /

noun

1. a person or thing that flies or moves very fast

2. an aviator or pilot

3. informal a long flying leap; bound

4. a fast-moving machine part, esp one having periodic motion

5. a rectangular step in a straight flight of stairs Compare winder

6. athletics an informal word for flying start

7. a speculative business transaction

8. a small handbill

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Etymology

Origin of flyer

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; fly ², -er ¹

Example Sentences

They arrived at the counter, its frosted-glass window taped with a smattering of flyers, some with print faded in the sun, the corners of their paper curling with age.

From Literature

“He’s never taken part in a swim meet, never been a top flyer. Probably never tore his rotator cuff. Trust me, I checked and double-checked. My friend Libby did, too. They’re all lies.”

From Literature

By early February of that year, the company was days away from announcing its new plan to car dealers, including a fax-based marketing plan and promotional flyer, ready for final approval.

From Salon

For hours on a crisp, blue-sky day, kite flyers mingled with sign-wavers, sharing space on the National Mall as they pursued their dueling missions.

From Barron's

The French flyer, who is showing no signs of slowing down, is scoring at a rate rarely seen in international rugby.

From BBC

Related Words

• flier