Flying — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun verb /ˈflī-iŋ/ fly·ing

Meaning & Definition of Flying

Flying (adjective)

  1. moving or capable of moving in the air
  2. moving or made by moving rapidly
  3. very brief

Flying (noun)

  1. travel by air
  2. the operation of an aircraft or spacecraft

Flying (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. acting or done with excessive or careless speed

    "a flying attempt at finishing the work"

  2. moving, proceeding, or acting with great speed

    "that car was flying as it careened down the streets"

    opposite: slow

Flying (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. travel through the air by the use of wings

    "had never had the slightest fear of flying"

    similar: flight

Flying (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"

  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"

  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"

  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"

Related Entry: Fly (verb)

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

  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"

Related Entry: Flying buttress (noun)

Flying buttress is a different word from Flying. The synonyms below are for flying buttress, not for flying.

  1. as in buttress

Related Entry: Flying buttresses (noun)

Flying buttresses is a different word from Flying. The synonyms below are for flying buttresses, not for flying.

  1. as in buttresses

Related Entry: Flying at (phrase)

Flying at is a different word from Flying. The synonyms below are for flying at, not for flying.

  1. to take sudden, violent action against

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

Related Entry: Flying into a rage (phrase)

Flying into a rage is a different word from Flying. The synonyms below are for flying into a rage, not for flying.

  1. to become very angry

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

Related Entry: Flying off the handle (phrase)

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

  1. to become very angry

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

Related Entry: High-flying (adjective)

High-flying is a different word from Flying. The synonyms below are for high-flying, not for flying.

  1. as in aggressive, opportunistic

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Flying

The most common words with a similar meaning to Flying:

Chiefly British: at speed
Slang: bombing

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Flying

Words with the opposite meaning of Flying:

Near Antonyms of Flying

Origin & Etymology of Flying

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Flying

Words & Phrases Containing Flying

Frequently Asked Questions about Flying

What does "Flying" mean?

"Flying" means moving or capable of moving in the air. As an an adjective, a noun and a verb, it is defined as: moving or capable of moving in the air. It has 9 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Flying"?

Other words for "Flying" include cursory, drive-by, gadarene, hasty, headlong, helter-skelter, hurried and overhasty. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Flying" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Flying"?

There are 274 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Flying". Common alternatives include cursory, drive-by, gadarene, hasty, headlong, helter-skelter, hurried, overhasty, pell-mell and precipitate.

What is the opposite of "Flying"?

Antonyms of "Flying" include deliberate, unhurried, unrushed, slow, crawling, creeping, poking and appearing. Near antonyms include calculated, calculating, measured and circumspect.

How do you use "Flying" in a sentence?

Examples of "Flying" in a sentence: "a flying attempt at finishing the work"; "that car was flying as it careened down the streets"; "had never had the slightest fear of flying".

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

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

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

As an A2-level word, "Flying" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Flying"?

"Flying" is pronounced /ˈflī-iŋ/ and divided into syllables as fly·ing.