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Flyer or flier

Is it Flyer or Flier? Which is Correct?

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Dalia Y

BA, MA, Phil. Grammarflex's initial initiator and contributor.

Flyer or flier?

Is the correct spelling flyer or flier? Do these words mean the same thing, and can they be used interchangeably?

👍🏼Usage Note
✓
The flyer for the concert was bright and colorful. .
✓
She’s a frequent flier on Southwest Airlines. .
✗
He is a known flyier in the airshow circuit. .
✗
The company distributed flyers to promote their new product. .

As it turns out, both are correct spellings to refer to a person or thing that flies (flies verb form of flyer/flier, in the third-person present singular).

When to use “flyer” or “flier”

Examples with “flyer” Examples with “flier”
He was a noted flyer for the aircraft corporation. She’s a frequent flier on that airline.
  • A thing, especially a bird or an insect, that flies in a particular way.
  • A small sheet of paper that advertises a product or an event and is given to a large number of people. A flyer (or
    flier) in this context is similar to a brochure, leaflet or pamphlet.

Of the two spellings, flyer is more common to refer to an advertisement or pamphlet.

Phrases with flyer or flier

Take a flier is a phrase that means to take a risk or gamble. Take a flyer is also correct, but it’s not the preferred spelling of this phrase, according to the Associated Press.

He took a flier in politics soon after getting his degree.

Investors have been unwilling to take a flier on such a small and unproven company.

A highflier is a term to describe someone that’s “extravagant or goes to extremes in aims, pretensions, opinions, etc.” Highflyer, high flyer, and high flier are also correct spellings of this term.

New York’s largest law firms attracts highfliers looking for a big-time legal career.

He’s quite a high-flier and quite a looker, with a smile that just melts you inside.

Sentence examples with flier

She’s a frequent flier on that airline.

He was a flier on an aircraft carrier.

Butterflies can be strong fliers.

Sentence examples with flyer

Flyers announcing the concert were distributed throughout the city.

Instead of handing out flyers, we created a post online and asked people to share it.

The infrequent flyer about to get on the plane at Reno-Tahoe International Airport had sores all over him. [Los Angeles Times]

💡Study Tip

“flyer” vs. “flier,” associate “flyer” with advertising leaflets (like a handbill that *flies* around), and “flier” with frequent travelers who *fly* often.

Synonyms of flyer/flier

  • aviator
  • aeronot
  • jet
  • air person
  • aviatrix
  • ace
  • navigator

Synonyms of flyer/flier as in a pamphlet

  • leaflet
  • pamphlet
  • brochure
  • advertisement
  • handbill
  • booklet
  • catalogue
  • paperback
  • throwaway

Origin of flyer/flier

Also flier, mid-15c., “that which flies, thing or creature that flies,” agent noun of fly (v.1). Meaning “something that goes fast” is from 1795. Meaning “small handbill or fly-sheet” is from 1889, U.S. slang (originally especially of police bulletins), on notion of “made to be scattered broadcast.” Meaning “aviator” (1916) developed in World War I. Related: Fliers; flyers.

Check out other commonly confused words

Commonly misused words UK English vs. US English
former vs. latter burned or burnt?
bear with vs. bare with color or colour?
breathe or breath favorite vs. favourite
compliment vs. complement smelled or smelt?
effect vs. affect gray or grey?
elude or allude favor vs. favour
it’s or its analyze or analyse?

Sources

  1. Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of flyer.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/flyer. Accessed 29 October, 2023.
  2. “Take a flier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20a%20flier. Accessed 29 Oct. 2023.

Work Sheet

Question 1 of 10

According to the blog post, which spelling is generally more common when referring to an advertising leaflet or pamphlet?



The post indicates that “flier” is commonly used to refer to:



Both “flyer” and “flier” are considered correct spellings to refer to:



In the phrase meaning “to take a risk or gamble,” which spelling is preferred according to the Associated Press, as mentioned in the post?



Which of the following is presented in the blog post as an incorrect spelling?



We handed out _____ to announce the grand opening of the new store.



She is a nervous _____ and prefers not to sit near the window.


The pilot was a skilled _____ for the airline.



He took a _____ by investing his savings in a startup company.



The study noted that these particular birds are strong _____.





Frequently Asked Questions

Are “flyer” and “flier” correct?
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Yes, both “flyer” and “flier” are correct spellings according to the post. They refer to a person or thing that flies. Usage often dictates preference, like “frequent flier” or concert “flyer.”

When should I use “flyer”?
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“Flyer” is more commonly used to refer to an advertising leaflet or pamphlet, like a concert “flyer.” It can also refer to someone/something that flies, as shown in examples.

When should I use “flier”?
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“Flier” is frequently used for someone who travels by air often, such as a “frequent flier.” It also refers to a person or thing that flies, like a “flier on an aircraft carrier.”

Can “flyer” mean an ad leaflet?
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Yes, the post states “flyer” is commonly used for a small sheet of paper that advertises a product or event, similar to a brochure or pamphlet, such as “flyers announcing the concert.”

Is “frequent flier” spelled with ‘ie’?
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Yes, the post provides “frequent flier on that airline” as a correct usage example for someone who travels by air often. The ‘ie’ spelling is commonly used in this context.

Yash, D. "Is it Flyer or Flier? Which is Correct?." Grammarflex, Jun 6, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/is-it-flyer-or-flier-which-is-correct/.

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