early 15c., replacing forms from Old English fleogende "flying, winged;" present participle adjective from fly (v.1). The meaning "attached so as to have freedom of movement" (1670s) is the source of the nautical use (flying jib, etc.). Meaning "designed for rapid movement" (especially in military terms) is from 1660s; meaning "passing, hasty, temporary, rapidly constructed" is from 1763.
Flying fish is from 1510s; flying buttress is from 1660s. Flying Dutchman, ghost ship off the Cape of Good Hope, is attested since 1803 [John Leyden, "Scenes of Infancy," who describes it as "a common superstition of mariners"]. Flying colors (1706) probably is from the image of a naval vessel with the national flag bravely displayed. Flying machine is from 1736 as a theoretical device. Flying saucer first attested 1947, though the image of saucers for unidentified flying objects is from at least 1880s.
实用例句
1. Flying at 1,000 ft. he heard a peculiar noise from the rotors.
在1,000英尺的高度飞行时，他听到旋翼发出一种奇怪的噪音。
来自柯林斯例句
2. A plane with Danish markings was over-flying his vessel.
一架带有丹麦标记的飞机从他的船上空飞过。
来自柯林斯例句
3. At least four high-flying warplanes had to take evasive action.
至少有4架高空飞行战斗机不得不采取避让行动。
来自柯林斯例句
4. Flying out on Friday from Gatwick it took seven hours door-to-door.
星期五从盖特威克起飞全程需要7个小时。
来自柯林斯例句
5. He was sent flying into the air and landed 20ft away.
