“Flier” or “Flyer?” Which is Correct?

Is it flyer or flier? If I’m going to hand out advertising, is that considered a flyer or a flier? How can you know which way is correct with words like flier and flyer?

How many meanings does the word flyer have?

Although spelled the same in each scenario, the word “flyer” can be used in three different contexts. It is essential to know that the word doesn’t always carry the same meaning.

That said, flyers can refer to people, an advertising strategy, or a tool used with yarn. In grammar, it’s essential to understand the definitions behind words so the writing makes sense to the reader.

Flyer meaning: advertising

One way you can use the word is to refer to a sheet of paper, pamphlet, or anything else with words and pictures.

Flyers are typically used for advertising, spreading information, or propaganda. Essentially, this flyer is used to promote something or spread information about an upcoming event, person, company, etc.

Flyer meaning: people, animals, and objects

American spelling of this term can also refer to a person, animal, or anything else that flies in the air. If you board a plane at an airport, you would be considered a flyer.

Flyer meaning: a tool

According to style guides, another way to use the term flyer is to describe a tool used to twist yarn. You will need a yarn flyer when making and twisting yarn yourself.

Even though the spelling is the same as the previously listed definitions, this term has a different meaning.

Meaning of the term flier

Although there are alternate spellings, the term “flier” has a similar meaning to flyer. For example, a flier can refer to a person, animal, or thing that flies, especially in a specific way.

Or, fliers can be an advertising leaflet or handout to draw attention to an event, product, person, etc.

As you can see, the two words flier and flyer have different spellings but don’t have much difference in terms of definition.

How to spell “flyer”

Depending on which style guide you use, the acceptable spelling for flier or flyer will differ.

That said, style guides are manuals with set standards for the writing, formatting, and designing of certain documents. Knowing the standards for each style guide is best to be a better writer.

Some guides, like the Elements of Style and Chicago Manual of Style, don’t address the two spellings.

However, the Daily Telegraph, Associated Press (or AP Stylebook), and American Heritage College Dictionary use “flier.”

Guides like Fowler’s Modern English Usage, Oxford dictionaries, and the Guardian prefer “flyer.”

Lastly, Gardner’s Modern English Usage identifies “flier” as the standard for American English and “flyer” as the British spelling.

Are “flyer” and “flier” the same?

According to their definitions, flier and flyer can be used interchangeably, so whichever spelling you prefer, you can use.

However, you may have to use one spelling based on a specific style guide to ensure proper grammar. Certain guides, like AP, the Daily Telegraph, etc., want you to use flier, while others want the alternate spelling.

British English spelling

According to the Gregg Reference Manual, the spelling “flyer” is preferred in British English. So, in any British publication, you will want to use this spelling. This is the standard spelling for any marketing pamphlet, individual, or object that flies.

Modern American English:

The Gregg Reference Manual notes that “flier” is the standard for American English. Still, both spellings are present in the American dictionary, highlighting that they are the same word and the word choice is essentially up to the writer.

What are “frequent flyer miles?”

This term is used to describe people who fly a lot, whether for work or fun.

The miles a frequent flyer travels with a specific airline are accumulated and can be used toward free flights and other perks.

In this context, you can still write phrases such as “frequent flier miles” or “frequent flier,” and they will still be correct. Remember, in this case, a flyer is someone that is in the air flying.

Is “flyer” or “flier” used more often?

In both American and British English, you can use flier or flyer. However, the latter spelling is more frequently implemented in writing.

Remember, depending on what and who you are writing for, you may have to change how you spell the term to fit the proper grammar guidelines.

Using flyer in a sentence

If you are still confused about when to use the term flyer and want to become a better writer, here are some example sentences:

“The Ruppell’s Griffon culture is a high flyer because it can reach an altitude of over 30,000 feet!”

“As a very successful person, he’s racked up frequent flyer miles from all the business trips he takes.”

“I must hand out flyers to promote my brother’s upcoming concert on Friday.”

Using flier in a sentence

Remember, there’s not a massive difference with the term flier. Still, here are some ways you can use the term in a sentence:

“This flier means that the concert will start at 7 PM now instead of 8 PM.”

“Fliers are a great way to campaign for class president because you can list examples of all your accomplishments in the pamphlet.”

“Our company used WordPress’s Post Navigation search tool to create an intriguing flier.”

Why are flyer and flier spelled differently?

Sometimes the way a term is spelled changes as language evolves.

With “flyer” and “flier,” specific English grammar guidelines say there are acceptable times to use each style based on the definition.

Sources

1. Flier Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster
2. Garner’s Modern English Usage, 4th Edition – Amazon.com
3. Flier or Flyer? Learn the Difference | Grammarly
4. Is it Flier or Flyer? What’s the Difference? – Grammarist
5. Guide To Earning Frequent Flyer Miles – Bankrate
6. Oxford Languages and Google – English