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noun A2 Elementary Very common

flight

FLYT
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Flight (noun) means a journey made by an aircraft, especially a scheduled trip between two places. Example: “Our flight was delayed by two hours because of fog.”

noun
1
A journey made by an aircraft, especially a scheduled trip between two places.
"Our flight was delayed by two hours because of fog."
"She has a long flight ahead, so she packed a book."
"Our flight to Madrid leaves at six in the morning."
2
The act or ability of flying through the air.
"Scientists studied the flight of bees to understand how they stay steady in wind."
"Birds' flight fascinated the boy, who spent hours watching them from the window."
"The eagle's flight carried it high above the valley."
3
A set of stairs between two landings.
"The flat is at the top of a steep flight of steps."
"I was out of breath after climbing the third flight."
"Her office was up one flight of stairs."
4
The act of running away or escaping.
"The sudden flight of the villagers followed news that the river was rising."
"Panic caused the animals' headlong flight across the open field."
"The soldiers' flight left the town undefended."
5
A small tasting selection of several drinks, such as wines or beers.
"The bar offers a flight of four whiskies for you to compare."
"She chose a flight of white wines to find her favourite."
"We ordered a flight of local craft beers to share."

How to use flight

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMost commonly an aircraft trip; also used for a set of stairs, the act of flying, or a tasting sample of drinks.

Common mistake

Don't confuse "flight" (running away, from flee) with the unrelated sense of flying — they share spelling history but different modern feels.

Common pairings
book a flight flight of stairs flight of fancy wine flight
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Word forms

Plural
flights
Third person singular
flights
Past tense
flighted
Comparative
more flight
Superlative
most flight
Test yourself on “flight” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Our _____ was delayed by two hours because of fog.

Etymology

From Old English flyht ("flight"), related to fleogan ("to fly"). The "running away" sense comes from the same root as "flee."

Origin: Old English

trip journey voyage air journey crossing flying escape trajectory flight of steps flight of stairs

Related words

Rhymes for flight

See all rhymes for flight →

Frequently asked questions

What does “flight” mean?
The word “flight” means a journey made by an aircraft, especially a scheduled trip between two places. In plain terms, most commonly an aircraft trip; also used for a set of stairs, the act of flying, or a tasting sample of drinks.
How do you pronounce “flight”?
“Flight” is pronounced FLYT (/ˈflaɪ̯t/ in IPA).
How do you use “flight” in a sentence?
Here is “flight” used in a sentence: “Our flight to Madrid leaves at six in the morning.”
What part of speech is “flight”?
“Flight” is a noun.
Where does the word “flight” come from?
The word “flight” comes from Old English. From Old English flyht ("flight"), related to fleogan ("to fly"). The "running away" sense comes from the same root as "flee.".
Is “flight” a common word?
“Flight” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “flight” have?
“Flight” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a journey made by an aircraft, especially a scheduled trip between two places.
What is the difference between a direct flight and a nonstop flight?
A nonstop flight goes straight from origin to destination with no stops. A direct flight may land once or more along the way, but keeps the same flight number and usually the same aircraft, so you do not change planes. Travellers often assume "direct" means no stops, but only "nonstop" guarantees that.
What are the different meanings of flight?
Besides an aircraft journey, "flight" means the act or ability of flying, as with birds or planes. It can name a set of stairs between floors — a flight of steps. It also means fleeing from danger, as in "fight or flight." A flight of birds is a group flying together.
What is the difference between a flight and a plane?
A plane, or aircraft, is the physical vehicle that flies. A flight is the journey it makes — a scheduled trip from one airport to another, identified by a flight number. One plane operates many flights in a day. You board a plane, but you book a flight and catch a flight.
What are the types of flights?
Flights are grouped in several ways. By route, they are domestic or international. By stops, they are nonstop, direct, or connecting. By service, they range across economy, premium economy, business, and first class. There are also scheduled flights on fixed timetables and charter flights booked for a specific group or purpose.

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