fly
10 synonyms and 3 antonyms for fly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small flying insect, especially the common housefly.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use fly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
The "stylish/cool" sense of fly is informal slang, mainly used in casual or hip-hop-influenced speech.
Etymology
From Old English flēoge ("a fly"), from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to fly," ultimately traced to a Proto-Indo-European word with the same meaning.
Full origin of fly →Frequently asked questions
What does “fly” mean?
The word “fly” means a small flying insect, especially the common housefly. In plain terms, the insect, or the verb for traveling through the air, or (slang) something stylish and cool.
How do you pronounce “fly”?
“Fly” is pronounced FLEYE (/ˈflaɪ̯/ in IPA).
How do you use “fly” in a sentence?
Here is “fly” used in a sentence: “A fly kept buzzing around the kitchen.”
What is another word for “fly”?
Words with a similar meaning to “fly” include flee, abscond, flit and zoom.
What is the opposite of “fly”?
The opposite of “fly” — its antonyms — are walk, stay and remain.
What part of speech is “fly”?
Depending on how it is used, “fly” can be a noun, a verb and an adjective.
Where does the word “fly” come from?
The word “fly” comes from Old English. From Old English flēoge ("a fly"), from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to fly," ultimately traced to a Proto-Indo-European word with the same meaning.
Is “fly” a common word?
“Fly” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What are the other meanings of fly?
Besides the insect, fly is a verb meaning to move through the air, as birds and planes do. As a noun it can also mean the zip or fastening at the front of trousers, or the flap of fabric over a tent entrance. In fishing, a fly is a lure made to imitate an insect.
Why are houseflies considered a problem?
Houseflies are more than a nuisance. They feed and breed on waste and decaying matter, then carry germs on their bodies and legs to food and surfaces. This can spread bacteria that cause illness. Because they multiply quickly, keeping food covered and bins closed is the best way to control them.
What is the difference between a fly and a mosquito?
Both are small flying insects, but they differ in behaviour. A common fly feeds on food and waste and does not bite. A mosquito has a needle-like mouthpart and feeds on blood, leaving itchy bites and sometimes spreading disease. Mosquitoes are also slimmer, with longer legs and narrow wings.
What attracts flies into the house?
Flies are drawn to food, warmth, moisture, and strong smells, especially from rubbish, ripe fruit, pet waste, and dirty dishes. They lay eggs on decaying matter, so uncovered bins and spills are common magnets. Keeping surfaces clean, food covered, and windows screened greatly reduces how many get inside.