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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 is derived from the Old French verb flairier ("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
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Mar. 2025
The slim silhouette, longer fit, and waist tie are akin to Paltrow’s, while the buttoned chest pockets and contrast piping offer stylish flair.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Bonus: The unique pleats add a stylish flair to the otherwise relaxed tank.
—Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2025
Flattering on everyone, the Richard Anderson house cut is based on his training at Huntsman in the 80s and 90s, but with his own unique flair and style to bring it to the modern day.
—Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flair
Cite this Entry
“Flair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flair. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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flair
noun
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