as the crow flies

phrase

Synonyms of as the crow fliesnext
: in a straight line

Examples of as the crow flies 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.
Dubrovnik is only around 37 miles away as the crow flies, but thankfully there is not a scrap of Game of Thrones merchandise in sight, although the cruise ship looming over the port announces that mass tourism has not passed Kotor by. — Jonathan Wiggin, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of as the crow flies was in 1773

Rhymes for as the crow flies

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Browse Nearby Words

aster yellows
as the crow flies
asthen-
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Cite this Entry

“As the crow flies.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/as%20the%20crow%20flies. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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