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flair

noun
\ ˈfler How to pronounce flair (audio) \

Definition of flair

1 : a skill or instinctive ability to appreciate or make good use of something : talent a flair for color also : inclination, tendency a flair for the dramatic
2 : a uniquely attractive quality : style fashionable dresses with a flair all their own Montreal is a city noted for its … European flair— Bruce Minorgan
Synonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about flair

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Did You Know?

In the 14th century, if someone told you that you had flair (or flayre as it was then commonly spelled), you might very well take offense! This is because in Middle English flayre meant "an odor." The word derived from the Old French verb flairer ("to give off an odor"), which came in turn from Late Latin flagrare, itself an alteration of fragrare. (The English words fragrant and fragrance also derive from fragrare.) The "odor" sense of flair fell out of use, but in the 19th century English speakers once again borrowed flair from the French-this time (influenced by the Modern French use of the word for the sense of smell) to indicate a discriminating sense or instinctive discernment.

Examples of flair in a Sentence

a restaurant with a European flair a person with a flair for making friends quickly

Recent Examples on the Web

 This would be a major blow for Carlo Ancelotti, who relies on the 28-year-old for his attacking flair and creative spark, capable of both scoring and assisting. — SI.com, "Key Napoli Duo Still Doubtful for Liverpool Champions League Clash With Injuries," 12 Sep. 2019 Jazz trumpet struts added a cool noir quality to the soundscapes, and mandolin sprints brought a fiery flair. — Piet Levy, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Tash Sultana is like Ed Sheeran and Phish rolled into one at Milwaukee show, and so much more," 11 Sep. 2019 Liebenberg has been on the forefront of the red-hot culinary scene in Cape Town, leading a strong farm-to-table movement, and highlighting its multicultural flavors with flourish and flair. — BostonGlobe.com, "A taste of the red-hot food scene in Cape Town - The Boston Globe," 10 Sep. 2019 Their lengths notwithstanding, Zimcosky’s flair for creating and telling a story has flourished. — cleveland.com, "Shaker Heights’ Zimcosky continues growth as person, author," 8 Sep. 2019 Guests arrive to an Austin limestone exterior that blends rustic flair with sleek, modern architectural design. — Darla Guillen Gilthorpe, Houston Chronicle, "Spring Valley Houston home set to hit the auction block with no reserve," 27 Aug. 2019 The cold brew addition appears to be a way to give the autumn beverage some summer flair. — Ben Kesslen, NBC News, "Starbucks unveils pumpkin spice cold brew," 26 Aug. 2019 Sheeran's flair for the romantic is certainly recognizable on the ballad, which, like most of his work, is heavy on acoustic guitar and violin. — Hannah Malach, Billboard, "Why Don't We Ask 'What Am I?' on Romantic New Ed Sheeran-Penned Song: Watch the Video," 23 Aug. 2019 The small menu features six items, or just enough to give you a taste of Devil’s Dozen/Kettner Exchange‘s executive chef Brian Redzikowski’s flair for flavor. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Devil’s Dozen launches lunch," 22 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'flair.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of flair

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for flair

French, literally, sense of smell, from Old French, odor, from flairier to give off an odor, from Late Latin flagrare, alteration of Latin fragrare

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More Definitions for flair

flair

noun
How to pronounce flair (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of flair

: a natural ability to do something
: an unusual and appealing quality or style

See the full definition for flair in the English Language Learners Dictionary

flair

noun
\ ˈfler How to pronounce flair (audio) \

Kids Definition of flair

1 : natural ability She has a flair for acting.
2 : style entry 1 sense 4 a dress with flair

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More from Merriam-Webster on flair

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with flair

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for flair

Spanish Central: Translation of flair

Nglish: Translation of flair for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of flair for Arabic Speakers

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