Flier and flyer are two different spellings of the same word, referring to someone or something that flies or to a pamphlet or handbill. Both spellings are correct, but their usage can vary depending on the context and region.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between flier and flyer, provide examples of each, and explain how to use them correctly.
Flier vs Flyer: What’s the Difference?
Flier and flyer are both nouns that have the same meaning, but they have different origins and histories. Flier is the older spelling, dating back to the 14th century, while flyer is a more recent variant that appeared in the 19th century. Flyer is more common in modern usage, especially in American English, while flier is still preferred by some publications and organizations.
Flier
Flier is the traditional spelling of the word, and it is still used by some style guides, such as the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook. Flier can mean:
- A person or animal that flies, especially an aviator or a bird
- A fast-moving or successful person or thing
- A risk or gamble
- A leaflet or handbill
Here are some examples of how to use flier in a sentence:
- The Wright brothers were among the first fliers in history.
- She’s a high flier in her career, earning six figures at a young age.
- He took a flier on that stock and lost all his money.
- I picked up a flier for the concert at the coffee shop.
Flyer
Flyer is the more popular spelling of the word, and it is used by most dictionaries and style guides, such as the Chicago Manual of Style. Flyer can mean:
- A person or animal that flies, especially an aviator or a bird
- A fast-moving or successful person or thing
- A leaflet or handbill
Here are some examples of how to use flyer in a sentence:
- Amelia Earhart was a famous flyer who disappeared in 1937.
- The new smartphone is a real flyer, selling out in minutes.
- I saw a flyer for the garage sale on the bulletin board.
Highflier or Highflyer?
Highflier and highflyer are both compound nouns that mean a successful or ambitious person or thing. They can also be spelled as two words: high flier or high flyer. Both forms are acceptable, but highflyer is more common than highflier.
Here are some examples of how to use highflier/highflyer in a sentence:
- He’s a highflier in the tech industry, having founded several startups.
- The company is a highflyer on the stock market, with its shares rising by 50% this year.
- She’s a high flyer in her class, always getting straight A’s.
Take a Flier or Take a Flyer?
Take a flier and take a flyer are both idiomatic expressions that mean to take a risk or gamble. Both forms are correct, but take a flyer is more common than take a flier.
Here are some examples of how to use take a flier/take a flyer in a sentence:
- He took a flier on that horse and won big.
- She took a flyer on that job offer and moved to another city.
- They took a flyer on that new product and it turned out to be a huge success.
Conclusion
Flier and flyer are two different spellings of the same word, meaning someone or something that flies or a pamphlet or handbill. Both spellings are correct, but their usage can vary depending on the context and region. Flier is more common in American English, especially in aviation and gambling contexts, while flyer is more common in British English and in general usage.