flypast: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal; Ceremonial; Journalistic; Military/Aviation context.
Quick answer
What does “flypast” mean?
A ceremonial flight of aircraft over a particular location, typically as part of an air show or public event.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A ceremonial flight of aircraft over a particular location, typically as part of an air show or public event.
Can refer to any ceremonial or commemorative low-altitude flight, often in formation, performed as a mark of respect or celebration.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'flypast' is predominantly British English. In American English, the equivalent term is typically 'flyover'.
Connotations
In British usage, 'flypast' strongly connotes a formal, planned, and often spectacular ceremonial event (e.g., for the Queen's Birthday). 'Flyover' in American English can have this meaning but also has the common, non-ceremonial meaning of a road that crosses over another.
Frequency
High frequency in UK media around national events (Trooping the Colour, Remembrance Sunday). Very low frequency in general American English, where 'flyover' is used for the aerial event.
Grammar
How to Use “flypast” in a Sentence
[Subject: aircraft/team] performed a flypast over [Location: city/parade]There was a flypast to mark [Event: anniversary/occasion]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in event planning or tourism marketing.
Academic
Rare. Could appear in historical or political studies of ceremonies.
Everyday
Used when discussing major public events or news reports about them.
Technical
Used in aviation and military planning contexts for such events.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flypast”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flypast”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flypast”
- Using 'flypast' to describe any plane seen in the sky.
- Using the plural 'flypasts' as a verb (e.g., 'The plane flypasts'). It is only a noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'flypast' is exclusively a noun in modern English. The verb phrase is 'to fly past' (two words).
A flypast is a specific, usually brief, ceremonial flight over a location. An air show is a longer event at an airfield with multiple displays, static exhibitions, and often includes a flypast as one component.
Yes, though it is most associated with fixed-wing aircraft, a formation of helicopters performing a ceremonial pass could also be termed a flypast.
The most direct equivalent is 'flyover'. However, note that 'flyover' in American English also commonly means a bridge that carries one road over another.
A ceremonial flight of aircraft over a particular location, typically as part of an air show or public event.
Flypast is usually formal; ceremonial; journalistic; military/aviation context. in register.
Flypast: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflaɪ.pɑːst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflaɪ.pæst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Planes FLY PAST a cheering crowd during a PAST anniversary celebration.
Conceptual Metaphor
AERIAL SALUTE (The aircraft are performing an act of honour, like a salute, but in the air).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'flypast' be most appropriately used?