Flier or flyer—which is the correct spelling? The answer may surprise you, but both spellings are technically correct, depending on which style guide you are following. In this article, we’ll explore the multiple meanings and spellings associated with this word and the correct use of flyer, so you can spell it with confidence, no matter the context.
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What Is a Flyer?
As if its two different spellings weren’t confusing enough, the word “flyer” actually has more than one meaning!
Meaning #1
You can use flyer to refer to one that flies—such as a bird, a leaf in the wind, or even a pilot.
In this form of “flyer,” the verb “fly,” which is used to describe the action of soaring through the air, has been modified with the suffix “-er.” The end result is the word “flyer,” or one who flies. This is kind of like how someone who races is a racer, while someone who dances is a dancer.
Meaning #2
The word flyer can also mean a risky or reckless venture. If someone uses flyer with this meaning, they will probably say it as part of the expression “take a flyer,” which means to take a chance on something that could turn out to be either good or bad.
The origin of this form of “flyer” isn’t widely known, but “take a flyer” could refer to taking a wild leap into the unknown without knowing what awaits you below.
Meaning #3
Lastly, a flyer can be a single sheet of paper used to advertise something. You might see flyers, pamphlets, or brochures in a hotel lobby, tourism center, hospital, or museum. Alternatively, someone promoting their band’s next performance might hand out flyers to drum up local interest.
No matter how you use or spell the word, remember that flyer is a noun. That is because all definitions of this word refer to a person, place, or thing.
Examples:
- We always knew our daughter was meant to be a pilot—at age 15, she was already a skilled flyer.
- I got special perks on my flight to China because I am a frequent flyer with this airline.
- That crow is certainly not the best flyer in his flock. I’ve seen him crash five times now!
- Everyone told John that this company was a risk, but he took a flyer and invested anyway.
- I really took a flyer by majoring in musical theater, but it paid off, and now I’m living my dream.
- Have you seen this flyer for the new restaurant opening up soon? Let’s check it out!
- He gave me a flyer with all the information I needed to sign up for guitar lessons.
- Have you seen the flyer for the upcoming concert?
- The flyer was sleek and well-designed, but I still didn’t want to vote for that candidate.
What Is a Flyer?
Flier and flyer share the same definition. There is no real difference between their meanings, so why are there two different spellings?
The answer is that different countries, dictionaries, British and American publications and style guides prefer one version over the other. For example, the Daily Telegraph, Merriam-Webster, and the Associated Press prefer the “flier” spelling. Airlines like Delta and Southwest also use flier for frequent fliers or frequent flier programs.
When to Use Flyer?
Flyer is the more commonly accepted spelling of the word in American English.
When it comes to style guides, the AP Stylebook or AP style guide actually changed its preference from “flier” to “flyer” in 2017.
If you follow the Chicago Manual of Style, you should use “flier” for anything that involves flying. But if you are referring to a handbill used to advertise, they recommend spelling the word as “flyer.”
The MLA Style Guide doesn’t discuss these spellings much, but in its guide for citing paper flyers used for advertising, it spells the word “flyer.”
When to Use Flier?
Flier is the go-to spelling of the word in British English. However, according to Google’s Book Ngram Viewer, this spelling variation is used less in published books.
Tip: The most important thing to remember is that most people will understand what you are trying to say as long as you use flier or flyer in the correct context. Don’t forget that consistency is the key to mastering the right spelling.
What’s the Correct Usage of Flyer or Flier?
Now that you know that both flier and flyer are correct, you can start using this word more freely in your writing.
As explained before, you should always use this word as a noun. You can use it to refer to one that flies, as part of the expression “take a flyer/flier,” or as a word that refers to a piece of paper used to advertise.
Final Thoughts
Next time you’re struggling to choose between flier or flyer, take a deep breath and remember that both spellings of this word are valid. The only rule you need to remember is that, no matter how you spell it, this word is a noun and should be used as such.
