flying
10 synonyms and 1 antonym for flying, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Able to fly, or moving through the air.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
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.
gliding
in flight
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Able to fly, or moving through the air.
“A flying insect landed on the windowsill.”
Opposites
2. noun
The act or process of traveling through the air.
“Flying still makes some people nervous, even with all the safety statistics.”
How to use flying
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
flying visit
flying colors
afraid of flying
Etymology
From Old English fleogende, the present participle of fleogan ("to fly").
Full origin of flying →Frequently asked questions
What does “flying” mean?
The word “flying” means able to fly, or moving through the air. In plain terms, moving through the air, or (used before a noun) something quick and brief, like a "flying visit.".
How do you pronounce “flying”?
“Flying” is pronounced FLEYE-ihng (/ˈflaɪ.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “flying” in a sentence?
Here is “flying” used in a sentence: “A flying insect landed on the windowsill.”
What part of speech is “flying”?
Depending on how it is used, “flying” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “flying” come from?
The word “flying” comes from Old English. From Old English fleogende, the present participle of fleogan ("to fly").
Is “flying” a common word?
“Flying” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “flying” have?
“Flying” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: able to fly, or moving through the air.
What is the difference between flying and gliding?
Flying is moving through the air in any way, often under active power — a bird flapping its wings or a plane driven by engines. Gliding is a type of flying without that active propulsion: the object coasts on air currents or momentum, like a paper plane or a gliding squirrel.
What is an example of something flying?
Almost anything moving through the air qualifies: a bird in flight, an airplane crossing the sky, an insect buzzing past, or a kite lifted by the wind. As a describing word, 'flying' also names things built or able to fly, such as a flying fish or a flying machine.
Is 'flying' an adjective or a verb?
It can be both. As an adjective, 'flying' describes something able to fly or moving through the air — a flying squirrel, a flying visit. As a verb, it is the present participle of 'to fly,' as in 'the geese are flying south.' Context shows which role it plays.
