Flyer or flier?
Is the correct spelling flyer or flier? Do these words mean the same thing, and can they be used interchangeably?
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”
| Word Form | Examples |
|---|---|
| Other | Examples with “flyer” Examples with “flier” He was a noted flyer for the aircraft corporation. 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
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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
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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] |
“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
Sources
- Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of flyer.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/flyer. Accessed 29 October, 2023.
- “Take a flier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20a%20flier. Accessed 29 Oct. 2023.
Worksheet
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 _____.
FAQs
Are “flyer” and “flier” correct?
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When should I use “flyer”?
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When should I use “flier”?
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Can “flyer” mean an ad leaflet?
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Is “frequent flier” spelled with ‘ie’?
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Yash, D. "Is it Flyer or Flier? Which is Correct?." Grammarflex, Jun 25, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/is-it-flyer-or-flier-which-is-correct/.
