flying

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.".

“Flying” is pronounced FLEYE-ihng (/ˈflaɪ.ɪŋ/ in IPA).

Here is “flying” used in a sentence: “A flying insect landed on the windowsill.”

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

The word “flying” comes from Old English. From Old English fleogende, the present participle of fleogan ("to fly").

“Flying” is a very common word in modern English.

“Flying” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: able to fly, or moving through the air.

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.

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.

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.