on the fly

phrase

1
: in motion : busy
2
: while still in the air : without the ball bouncing
The home run carried 450 feet on the fly.
3
: in a hurry and often without preparation : hastily, spontaneously
making decisions on the fly
4
: simultaneously with another task
software that handles formatting on the fly

Examples of on the fly in a Sentence

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.
Garrett Mitchell did the Rays a favor by getting under his bunt attempt, allowing Junior Caminero to catch it on the fly and hold the runners at first and second. — Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026 But the preseason still allowed Splitter to test a variety of rotations in a deep Bulls roster that is designed to learn on the fly. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2026 There are also a lot of very popular influencers who are maybe learning to interview on the fly. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 Kayshon Boutte arrived in a trade with the New England Patriots soon after and faced a similar situation as Harrison of having to learn the playbook and develop chemistry on the fly. — Peter Warren, Houston Chronicle, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for on the fly

Rhymes for on the fly

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Browse Nearby Words

on the firing line
on the fly
on the fringe(s)
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Cite this Entry

“On the fly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20fly. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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