fly

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.

“Fly” is pronounced FLEYE (/ˈflaɪ̯/ in IPA).

Here is “fly” used in a sentence: “A fly kept buzzing around the kitchen.”

Words with a similar meaning to “fly” include flee, abscond, flit and zoom.

The opposite of “fly” — its antonyms — are walk, stay and remain.

Depending on how it is used, “fly” can be a noun, a verb and an adjective.

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.

“Fly” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

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.

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.

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.

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.