Fly — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun adjective /ˈflī/

Meaning & Definition of Fly

Fly (verb)

  1. to move in or pass through the air with wings
  2. to move through the air or before the wind or through outer space
  3. to float, wave, or soar in the air
  4. to hit a fly in baseball

Fly (noun)

  1. the action or process of flying, flight
  2. a device consisting of two or more radial vanes capable of rotating on a spindle to act as a fan or to govern the speed of clockwork or very light machinery
  3. flywheel
  4. a winged insect —usually used in combination
  5. any of a large order (Diptera) of winged or rarely wingless insects (such as the housefly, mosquito, or gnat) that have the anterior wings functional, the posterior wings reduced to halteres, and segmented often headless, eyeless, and legless larvae
  6. a large stout-bodied fly

Fly (adjective)

  1. impressively good, attractive, or stylish
  2. keen, artful

Fly (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to move through the air with or as if with outstretched wings

    "the Wright brothers realized mankind's age-old wish to fly"

    similar: aviate, glide, plane, soar, wing
  2. to get free from a dangerous or confining situation

    "you must fly to safety immediately"

  3. to proceed or move quickly

    "flew down the concourse to catch his flight"

    opposite: crawl, creep, poke
  4. to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening

    "no one in the movies ever thinks to fly from the ax murderer and immediately call the police"

  5. to cease to be visible

    "the morning mist had flown, and a sparkling sea lay before us"

    opposite: appear, materialize
  6. to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval

    "the familiar Because I said so! is a reason that won't fly with most teenagers"

Fly (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in canvas

Related Entry: Fly at (phrase)

Fly at is a different word from Fly. The synonyms below are for fly at, not for fly.

  1. to take sudden, violent action against

    "The batter flew at the pitcher, thinking the beanball was thrown on purpose."

Related Entry: Fly in the ointment (phrase)

Fly in the ointment is a different word from Fly. The synonyms below are for fly in the ointment, not for fly.

  1. something that makes a situation more complicated or difficult

    "The delay in the delivery of our appliances was a fly in the ointment during our kitchen renovation."

Related Entry: Fly into a rage (phrase)

Fly into a rage is a different word from Fly. The synonyms below are for fly into a rage, not for fly.

  1. to become very angry

    "The kids worried their parents would fly into a rage when they saw the broken television screen."

Related Entry: Fly off the handle (phrase)

Fly off the handle is a different word from Fly. The synonyms below are for fly off the handle, not for fly.

  1. to become very angry

    "The manager flew off the handle when another customer complaint was called in."

Related Entry: Fly fisherman (noun)

Fly fisherman is a different word from Fly. The synonyms below are for fly fisherman, not for fly.

  1. as in angler, trawlerman

Related Entry: Fly fishermen (noun)

Fly fishermen is a different word from Fly. The synonyms below are for fly fishermen, not for fly.

  1. as in anglers, trawlermen

Related Entry: Fly sheet (noun)

Fly sheet is a different word from Fly. The synonyms below are for fly sheet, not for fly.

  1. as in flyer, brochure

Related Entry: Fly sheets (noun)

Fly sheets is a different word from Fly. The synonyms below are for fly sheets, not for fly.

  1. as in flyers, brochures

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Fly

The most common words with a similar meaning to Fly:

Slang: bomb

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Fly

Words with the opposite meaning of Fly:

Near Antonyms of Fly

Word Forms of Fly

Inflections: flew, flown, flying, flies, flied, flyer, flyest

Origin & Etymology of Fly

Middle English flien, from Old English flēogan; akin to Old High German fliogan to fly and probably to Old English flōwan to flow

First known use: before 12th centuryi

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Fly

Words & Phrases Containing Fly

Frequently Asked Questions about Fly

What does "Fly" mean?

"Fly" means to move in or pass through the air with wings. As an a verb, a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: to move in or pass through the air with wings. It has 7 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Fly"?

Other words for "Fly" include aviate, glide, plane, soar, wing, abscond, break out (of) and clear out. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Fly" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Fly"?

There are 215 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Fly". Common alternatives include aviate, glide, plane, soar, wing, abscond, break out (of), clear out, escape and flee.

What is the opposite of "Fly"?

Antonyms of "Fly" include crawl, creep, poke, appear and materialize. Near antonyms include abide, dwell, hang around and linger.

How do you use "Fly" in a sentence?

Examples of "Fly" in a sentence: "the Wright brothers realized mankind's age-old wish to fly"; "you must fly to safety immediately"; "flew down the concourse to catch his flight".

Is "Fly" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Fly" can be used as a verb, a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Fly" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Fly" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Fly"?

"Fly" is pronounced /ˈflī/.