Flies Meaning and Definition
Flies
Pronunciation
/ˈflaɪz/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A type of small flying insects characterized by their delicate wings and often considered pests due to their annoying behavior.
Examples
- The flies buzzed around the trash can.
- There were so many flies at the picnic that we had to cover our food.
Etymology
The word ‘Flies’ originates from the Old English word ‘flēoge’, which referred to these small flying insects.
Usage Notes
When referring to flies, it’s common to use the plural form ‘flies’ even if there’s only one insect in question.
Cultural References
In popular culture, flies are often used as a symbol of annoyance or pestilence, as seen in works like ‘Aesop’s Fables’.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Fly by the seat of your pants” – to act without planning or preparation
- “Fly high” – to be successful or popular
Related Words or Phrases
- Bees
- Beetles
- Bugs
Collocations
- Flies in the ointment
- Flies buzzing around
Frequency of Use
The word ‘Flies’ is relatively common in modern language, with an estimated frequency of use of around 1.2 per 100,000 words.
Common Misspellings
- Flie
- Flees