# flight /ˈfɫaɪt/ (US) · /flˈaɪt/ (UK) Source: https://englishreference.com/word/flight Updated: 2026-08-08 ## Senses ### 1. travel by air noun · CEFR A1 a journey made by an aircraft, like a plane or helicopter. For teachers: a scheduled or private journey made by an aircraft between two points. - Our flight to Paris was delayed by two hours because of the storm. - The airline cancelled several international flights due to technical failures in the regional air traffic control system. ### 2. the act of flying noun · CEFR A2 the action of moving through the air using wings or engines. For teachers: the act or process of moving through the air under aerodynamic lift or propulsion. - The eagle's flight was smooth and graceful as it circled the mountain. - Engineers studied the mechanics of insect flight to improve the stability of small surveillance drones. ### 3. running away noun · CEFR B2 the act of running away from a dangerous or difficult situation. For teachers: the act of fleeing or escaping from danger, pursuit, or an unpleasant reality. - The sudden flight of the birds suggested that a predator was nearby. - The civilian population began a mass flight toward the border as the sounds of heavy artillery grew louder. ### 4. set of stairs noun · CEFR B1 a series of stairs between two floors or landings. For teachers: a continuous series of steps or stairs between one floor or landing and the next. - She lived at the top of three long flights of stairs in an old building. - The architect designed a grand flight of stairs that served as the central focal point of the museum's atrium. ### 5. tasting set of drinks noun · CEFR C1 · Informal a small selection of different drinks, like wine or beer, served together for you to taste. For teachers: a selection of several small pours of a beverage, typically wine or craft beer, served for comparative tasting. - I ordered a flight of local craft beers to see which one I liked best. - The sommelier recommended a flight of Rieslings to demonstrate how the soil composition affects the final flavour profile of the wine. ### 6. imaginative thinking noun · CEFR C1 · Literary a creative or unusual idea that goes far beyond normal thinking. For teachers: an excursion into imaginative or creative thought, often departing from reality; usually in the phrase 'flight of fancy'. - His plan to build a city on the moon was just a flight of fancy. - The novelist's latest work is a brilliant flight of imagination that blends historical facts with surrealist mythology. ### 7. arrow feathers noun · CEFR C2 · Technical the feathers at the end of an arrow or dart that help it fly straight. For teachers: the stabilizing fins or feathers attached to the rear of an arrow, dart, or projectile to control its trajectory. - He replaced the damaged flight on his favorite dart before the tournament. - Modern arrows use synthetic flights designed to minimize drag and maximize stability during high-velocity travel. ### 8. advertising period noun · CEFR C2 · Technical a specific period of time when an advertisement is shown on TV or online. For teachers: a period of time during which an advertising campaign is active, separated by periods of inactivity. - The company planned a six-week flight of ads for the new holiday season. - The marketing agency recommended a heavy flight of television spots followed by a two-week hiatus to prevent audience fatigue. ### 9. to hit/throw with loft verb · CEFR C1 · Technical to hit or throw a ball so it stays in the air for a long time with spin. For teachers: to deliver a ball with a high trajectory and significant spin, typically to deceive an opponent. - The bowler decided to flight the ball to trick the batsman into a mistake. - The spin bowler's ability to flight the ball deceptively made him one of the most dangerous players in the league. ## Examples - My flight to London leaves at six in the morning. - The airline canceled our flight due to a heavy storm, so we had to stay at a hotel near the airport. - Modern aviation technology has significantly reduced the duration of a trans-Atlantic flight, allowing passengers to cross the ocean in less than eight hours. --- From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.