flit

verb

flitted; flitting

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

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.
In the myopia that results, especially in the face of an uncertain world—where crisis after crisis pops up like the old arcade game of Whack-a-Mole—the temptation is to make changes based on flitting and unknowable assumptions that do absolutely nothing to determine success over the long term. James Berman, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024 Our days here consisted of flitting between the various pools and the beach, trying out the multiple restaurants, and simply wandering the gorgeous botanic gardens that make up the grounds between the mountain and the Mediterranean. Devorah Lev-Tov, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2024 Their movement was sensual but assertive, bordering on violent, flitting between slow body rolls and athletic thrusts. Coralie Kraft, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2024 In this collection of vignettes centered on the angel Azrael, Williams flits through the moments before and after death. The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2024 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

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flit was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near flit

Cite this Entry

“Flit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flit. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

flit

verb
flitted; flitting
: to move or progress in a quick irregular manner
flit noun

More from Merriam-Webster on flit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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