flare path: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very low frequency, technical/domain-specific)Formal, Technical (aviation/military), occasionally literary/figurative.
Quick answer
What does “flare path” mean?
A line of lights (or other markers) on the ground, especially at an airfield, to guide aircraft during take-off, landing, or movement in darkness or poor visibility.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A line of lights (or other markers) on the ground, especially at an airfield, to guide aircraft during take-off, landing, or movement in darkness or poor visibility.
The designated area or strip (real or metaphorical) prepared and illuminated for a specific, guided approach or entry, often under difficult conditions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term originated in British military aviation (RAF). American usage is equally technical but may be slightly less common in historical contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it strongly connotes wartime aviation, emergency landings, or precise navigation in darkness.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language for both. Slightly higher historical frequency in UK due to WWII RAF lore.
Grammar
How to Use “flare path” in a Sentence
The [aircraft] landed using the flare path.They illuminated/laid out a flare path for the [aircraft].[Pilot] followed the flare path to safety.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flare path” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - Not standard verb.
American English
- N/A - Not standard verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - Not standard adverb.
American English
- N/A - Not standard adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - Not standard adjective.
American English
- N/A - Not standard adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possible metaphorical use: 'The new mentorship program will act as a flare path for junior executives entering the competitive market.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical or technical papers on aviation/military history.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Primary domain. Used in aviation history, military accounts, and aerodrome operations manuals to describe early/makeshift lighting systems.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flare path”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to flare path'). Confusing it with 'flare-up' or 'flare'. Using it in non-aviation contexts without clear metaphorical intent.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialised term from aviation and military history. Most people will encounter it only in specific contexts like historical accounts or technical documents.
Yes, but this is a sophisticated, literary use. It metaphorically describes a prepared, illuminated, or guided route through a difficult or dark situation, e.g., 'The scholarship was her flare path to university.'
'Flare path' often implies a temporary, improvised, or historical line of lights (like actual flares or simple lamps). 'Runway lights' refers to the permanent, complex, and standardized electrical lighting system of a modern airport runway.
It is included due to its fixed, specific meaning in a notable domain (aviation history) and its occasional appearance in literature and metaphorical use. Dictionaries capture significant technical and historical vocabulary, not just common words.
A line of lights (or other markers) on the ground, especially at an airfield, to guide aircraft during take-off, landing, or movement in darkness or poor visibility.
Flare path is usually formal, technical (aviation/military), occasionally literary/figurative. in register.
Flare path: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfleə pɑːθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfler pæθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To light someone's flare path (metaphorical: to guide someone through a difficult transition or entry).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a pilot in a dark storm seeing a PATH of FLAREs on the ground, showing exactly where to land.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GUIDING PATH THROUGH DARKNESS/DANGER IS A LIT RUNWAY. (Source: Aviation, Target: Life challenges, transitions).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'flare path' MOST likely to be used literally?