Flight: meaning, definitions and examples

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flight

 

[ flaɪt ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

air travel

A journey made through the air, especially in an airplane.

Synonyms

journey, trip, voyage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flight

Used when referring to travel by air.

  • I have a flight to Paris tomorrow morning.
  • Her flight was delayed due to bad weather.
trip

Refers to a short journey or excursion. It can be both personal and professional, often implying a return to the starting point.

  • They went on a weekend trip to the mountains.
  • She's on a business trip in New York.
journey

This word describes the act of traveling from one place to another, often implying a sense of adventure or a long-distance trip. It can be used for any mode of transportation.

  • The journey to the remote village took several days.
  • Their journey across the desert was challenging.
voyage

Typically used to describe a long journey by sea or in space. It often has a sense of grand adventure.

  • His voyage across the Atlantic took several weeks.
  • They embarked on a voyage to explore the outer reaches of the galaxy.

Examples of usage

  • The flight from New York to London was long but comfortable.
  • She booked a last-minute flight to Paris for the weekend.
  • We had to catch a connecting flight in Atlanta.
Context #2 | Noun

movement of flying animals

The action or process of flying by birds, bats, or other creatures.

Synonyms

glide, soar, wing.

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Word Description / Examples
flight

Refer to the act of flying, commonly used to describe an airplane trip or the overall concept of flying.

  • She booked a flight to Paris
  • The flight of birds was mesmerizing
soar

Employed to describe flying at a great height, often with a sense of elegance and power.

  • The kite began to soar as the wind picked up
  • The hawk soared above the mountains
glide

Used when describing smooth, effortless motion through the air without flapping wings or using engines.

  • The eagle began to glide over the forest
  • He watched the paper airplane glide across the room
wing

Informal or poetic use to indicate the use of wings to fly, can also mean to travel quickly without much preparation.

  • She decided to wing her journey across the country
  • The bird winged its way to the nest

Examples of usage

  • The flight of the eagle was a majestic sight.
  • The migration flight of the monarch butterflies is a natural wonder.
Context #3 | Verb

escape or run away

To run away, especially from danger or unpleasantness.

Synonyms

escape, flee, run away.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flight

Use this word to describe the act of flying or a journey by air.

  • She booked a flight to Paris for her vacation.
  • The bird's flight was elegant and smooth.
escape

This word is used when someone is trying to get away from a dangerous situation, imprisonment, or control.

  • The prisoner planned his escape for months.
  • They managed to escape the burning building just in time.
flee

Use this word when someone is running away from danger or a threatening situation. It can carry a sense of urgency and fear.

  • When the fire started, the crowd began to flee in all directions.
  • They had to flee their homeland because of the war.
run away

This phrase is often used when someone leaves a place or situation suddenly and secretly due to fear or stress. It is commonly used for children and teenagers.

  • The teenager decided to run away from home after a big argument.
  • He felt overwhelmed and chose to run away from his problems.

Examples of usage

  • The prisoner managed to flight from the jail undetected.
  • She decided to flight from her toxic relationship.

Translations

Translations of the word "flight" in other languages:

🇵🇹 voo

🇮🇳 उड़ान

🇩🇪 Flug

🇮🇩 penerbangan

🇺🇦 політ

🇵🇱 lot

🇯🇵 フライト

🇫🇷 vol

🇪🇸 vuelo

🇹🇷 uçuş

🇰🇷 비행

🇸🇦 رحلة طيران

🇨🇿 let

🇸🇰 let

🇨🇳 飞行

🇸🇮 let

🇮🇸 flug

🇰🇿 ұшу

🇬🇪 ფრენა

🇦🇿 uçuş

🇲🇽 vuelo

Etymology

The word 'flight' originated from the Old English word 'flyht', which is derived from the Germanic root 'fleugan' meaning 'to fly'. The term has been used for centuries to describe the act of air travel as well as the movement of flying animals. Over time, 'flight' has become synonymous with journey, escape, and freedom. Today, it continues to be a common term in aviation and nature studies.

See also: fly, flyer, flying, flyover.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,168, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.