flit

verb

ˈflit How to pronounce flit (audio)
flitted; flitting
Synonyms of flit

intransitive verb

1
: to pass quickly or abruptly from one place or condition to another
2
archaic : alter, shift
3
: to move in an erratic fluttering manner
flit noun

Synonyms of flit

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Examples of flit in a Sentence

butterflies flitting around the garden The hummingbird flitted from flower to flower. She was always flitting around the kitchen.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Stellantis There's also all the homologation and regulatory hurdles attached to having something that flits between being a passenger-car and a light truck. — New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2026 Multiple anglers reeled in yellowfin tuna, which were visible through the clear water flitting back and forth near the boat. — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 Zosia Mamet, Jason Schwartzman, Chris O’Dowd, Billie Lourd, and Will Price flit in and out of the picture, some trying to act as the voices of reason and others cheering on the madness. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026 The ends flitted out and folded centimeters above her brows, blending between the relaxed waves that moved over her shoulders. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flit

Word History

Etymology

Middle English flitten, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse flytjask to move, Old English flēotan to float

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of flit was in the 12th century

Phrases Containing flit

Rhymes for flit

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Browse Nearby Words

fliskmahoy
flit
flitch
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Cite this Entry

“Flit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flit. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

flit

verb
ˈflit How to pronounce flit (audio)
flitted; flitting
: to move or progress in a quick irregular manner
flit noun
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