noun · verb · 75 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
Received-Pronunciation:/ˈflʌtə/
General-American:/ˈflʌtɚ/
General-American:[-ɾɚ]
General-American:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
rhymes with -ʌtə(ɹ)
CMU ARPABET:F L AH1 T ER0
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
noun
Meaning 1
The act of fluttering, or multiple acts thereof; the back-and-forth motion of fluttering; a state of fluttering.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
The eagle soared across the horizon with just a few slow flutters of its wings. The flutter of insects and bats is more rapid. Some birds also use non-flight flutters as communication and in thermoregulation.
Fish move using a flutter of their body to propel themselves through the water. Some also derive propulsion or maneuverability from their fins' flutter.
Some turtles use their claw flutter as a means of communication, particularly in mating.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flap, fluttering
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
The act of fluttering, or multiple acts thereof; the back-and-forth motion of fluttering; a state of fluttering.
The collective flutter of many similar objects.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: broadly, countable, uncountable
Examples
leaf flutter; feather flutter
The flutter of the flock buffeted me.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flap, fluttering
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
The act of fluttering, or multiple acts thereof; the back-and-forth motion of fluttering; a state of fluttering.
A flapping, crackling or rustling sound, as from a fluttering motion or any comparable sound; any series of quick repetitive sounds.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: broadly, countable, uncountable
Examples
I eventually found the source of the flutter, which came from clothes on a clothesline swaying with the wind.
I find the flutter of a campfire to be soothing like a lullaby.
The wind causes a flutter in the barley in the field.
She produced a loaded keyring and, with a flutter of keys, found the right one to unlock the door.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flap, fluttering
Antonyms: none provided
4
noun
Meaning 4
The act of fluttering, or multiple acts thereof; the back-and-forth motion of fluttering; a state of fluttering.
A flapping, crackling or rustling sound, as from a fluttering motion or any comparable sound; any series of quick repetitive sounds.
A sound that spreads in the manner of a wave or ripple.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
The act of fluttering, or multiple acts thereof; the back-and-forth motion of fluttering; a state of fluttering.
The rapid up-and-down movement of the eyelids, and consequently eyelashes, often seen as intentionally flirtatious or alluring and often attributed to the eyes or eyebrows.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
He couldn't help but feel more attracted to her with each flutter of her eyes/lashes/eyelids.
Her eyes did a flutter.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flap, fluttering, bat, batting
Antonyms: none provided
6
noun
Meaning 6
The act of fluttering, or multiple acts thereof; the back-and-forth motion of fluttering; a state of fluttering.
The movement a hand fan with a back-and-forth action using flicks of the wrist, so as to produce a graceful wave-like effect.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
The flutter of the geisha's fan was elegant.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flap, fluttering
Antonyms: none provided
7
noun
Meaning 7
The act of fluttering, or multiple acts thereof; the back-and-forth motion of fluttering; a state of fluttering.
The leg motion of various strokes in swimming, especially the flutter kick.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Topics: hobbies, lifestyle, sports, swimming
Examples
The flutter of your legs will propel you through the water, when you execute a proper flutter kick.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flap, fluttering, kick
Antonyms: none provided
8
noun
Meaning 8
The act of fluttering, or multiple acts thereof; the back-and-forth motion of fluttering; a state of fluttering.
The motion or state of falling while fluttering or falling as to produce fluttering.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
Winged helicopter seeds fall with rapid flutters to the ground.
The Christmas tree fell in a flutter of ornaments and pine needles.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flap, fluttering
Antonyms: none provided
9
noun
Meaning 9
A quick and irregular motion or vibration, or multiple such motions.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
The irregular back-and-forth flutter of this fishing lure imitates the movement of an injured or sick fish.
Palatal flutter is a cause of sleep apnea and snoring.
The rolled r sound of Spanish can be created with a flutter of the tongue.
candle flutter; tail flutter
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flicker
Antonyms: none provided
10
noun
Meaning 10
A quick and irregular motion or vibration, or multiple such motions.
The trembling movement of an iris caused by a lack of support from the lens or as a complication of cataract surgery.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
It's important to note any flutter in the iris.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flicker, tremulous iris, iridodonesis
Antonyms: none provided
11
noun
Meaning 11
A quick and irregular motion or vibration, or multiple such motions.
The vibration, shaking or flapping of fabric, such as in a kite, parachute or sail; the condition of having such a flutter.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
kite flutter; parachute flutter; sail flutter
Even a weak flutter can damage your sail.
The flutter of the tarp made it fall onto the heads of those underneath it.
This design will reduce the chance of flutter in the parachute.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flicker
Antonyms: none provided
12
noun
Meaning 12
A quick and irregular motion or vibration, or multiple such motions.
The vibration of a bird's throat by rapidly pumping air into it with the mouth open in order to reduce excess body heat; gular flutter.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Topics: biology, natural-sciences, zoology
Examples
Witness the flutter of its neck, which helps to lower the bird's body temperature.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flicker
Antonyms: none provided
13
noun
Meaning 13
A quick and irregular motion or vibration, or multiple such motions.
A method of articulation in playing wind instruments by curving the tongue at the sides and exhaling air over it to make it vibrate; flutter-tongue.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Topics: entertainment, lifestyle, music
Examples
I've never been able to achieve a proper flutter on my flute.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flicker
Antonyms: none provided
14
noun
Meaning 14
A quick and irregular motion or vibration, or multiple such motions.
Any of several vocal effects, actions, techniques or conditions, notably tremolo, vibrato and trill, which are deliberately cultivated, as well as the neurological disorder vocal tremor or general strain.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
I love the flutter of the singer's voice. I could never develop the flutter needed to do that. Her flutter is excellent.
That flutter in your voice is a vocal tremor, caused by the involuntary contractions of muscles in the larynx, throat or other adjacent parts of the body.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flicker
Antonyms: none provided
15
noun
Meaning 15
A quick and irregular motion or vibration, or multiple such motions.
An exception to, or fluctuation in, a pattern; a minor and temporary deviation from an expectation; a blip in a trend; a transient shift in allegiance.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, figuratively, uncountable
Examples
Despite an occasional flutter, the water current still flows in the same direction as always.
Smoking rates have been going down for a long time, despite a few regional and temporary flutters.
The Democratic Party hasn't lost college students, this is just a flutter.
We've never even seen a flutter in the loyalty of the MacKenzie clan.
This isn't the first flutter we've seen from them. They'll come back to us just like they always do.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flicker
Antonyms: none provided
16
noun
Meaning 16
A quick and irregular motion or vibration, or multiple such motions.
A state or episode of agitation, of excited anxiety or anxious excitement, or of anticipation; an act of taking a flutter (To flutter for a short period of time) or of being all of a flutter.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, figuratively, uncountable
Examples
in a flutter
She'd been in a flutter since receiving word that her in-laws were on the way.
Thoughts of what he had to do tomorrow ignited a flutter to get ready.
There was a flutter in the office today because Mr Jones came by.
Joanna was in a giggly flutter for the pop star.
They were upset, having a flutter about getting me on their side in the dispute.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flicker, fuss
Antonyms: calm
17
noun
Meaning 17
A quick and irregular motion or vibration, or multiple such motions.
A state or episode of agitation, of excited anxiety or anxious excitement, or of anticipation; an act of taking a flutter (To flutter for a short period of time) or of being all of a flutter.
A commotion, ruckus or disturbance; a brief state of energetic activity.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, figuratively, uncountable
Examples
From my apartment, I heard a flutter in the streets, presumably in protest of the war.
When I heard a flutter in the basement, I knew it was my daughter sneaking out to play after her bedtime.
The head of the Florida bureau said there's a flutter among the engineers about that new policy.
We engaged in an afternoon flutter of preparation for the party.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flicker, fuss, flutter in the dovecote
Antonyms: calm
18
noun
Meaning 18
A spasmodic vibration of one or more body parts or the entire body; a shudder.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
He found his eyelid flutters annoying enough to see a doctor about them.
A flutter ran through her, but she steeled her nerves and continued.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: quiver, rumble, spasm, tremor
Antonyms: none provided
19
noun
Meaning 19
A spasmodic vibration of one or more body parts or the entire body; a shudder.
The condition or sensation of a rapid and abnormal heart rhythm; the action of a swift heartbeat.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
She took her own pulse to verify the flutter she felt was real.
A flutter left him light-headed until he steadied himself by grabbing the railing.
His heart did a flutter.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: quiver, rumble, spasm, tremor
Antonyms: none provided
20
noun
Meaning 20
A spasmodic vibration of one or more body parts or the entire body; a shudder.
A feeling of internal shifting, which may be caused by the movement of a fetus, muscular spasms associated with digestion (or indigestion) or other phenomena, including idiosyncratic perceptions.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
Was that a flutter from my soon-to-be baby or a flutter of indigestion? I couldn't tell!
So you've been feeling flutters in your belly for three days? Any other symptoms?
She felt the first flutters of the plane's descent.
A roiling flutter within had me harden my gaze at the man I swore to seek revenge on.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: quiver, rumble, spasm, tremor
Antonyms: none provided
21
noun
Meaning 21
A spasmodic vibration of one or more body parts or the entire body; a shudder.
A flash of emotion that accompanies an internal sensation, such as a rapid pulsation of the heart or a quiver of nervous disquiet; a small burst of emotion that may be felt or expressed; a fleeting feeling or idea experienced as a feeling.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, figuratively, uncountable
Examples
He was mostly over his phobia of dogs, but sometimes the sight of a dog still gave him a flutter of terror.
Some of her father's ways still triggered flutters of that old burning resentment in her. She spoke of him with a flutter of her bitterness that others could sense.
When he saw that smiling photo of her, he got a flutter of hope that she would come back one day.
flutter of pain, agony, etc.; flutter of interest, learning, knowledge
A physical oscillation in a mechanical device; a state of oscillation; the action of oscillation.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
I felt each flutter of the lawnmower as it struggled to start.
The needle on this gauge was in a flutter, which makes it hard to read the result.
The flutter of the drill makes me tired just from holding it.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
27
noun
Meaning 27
A physical oscillation in a mechanical device; a state of oscillation; the action of oscillation.
An extremely dangerous divergent oscillation caused by a positive feedback loop between the elastic deformation of an object and the aerodynamic forces acting on it, potentially resulting in rapid structural failure.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
wind turbine flutter, propellor flutter, blade flutter, fan flutter, fin flutter, whirl flutter, wing flutter
The flutter characteristics of the new design suggest that it will hold up well in real-world conditions.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
28
noun
Meaning 28
A physical oscillation in a mechanical device; a state of oscillation; the action of oscillation.
The sound created when the throttle body in an engine is closed, forcing air through the turbocharger in the wrong direction, which makes the air bounce against the compressor blades, stalling them; the condition of having this occur in an engine.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
You have a compressor surge, I could hear the flutter in your engine. I can show you how to fix the flutter.
A fluctuation in sound, especially a malfunction in technology.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
The bird's song was full of trills and flutters.
I can hear a flutter in this movie's soundtrack.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flicker
Antonyms: none provided
31
noun
Meaning 31
A fluctuation in sound, especially a malfunction in technology.
A wavering quality in a voice, usually suggesting a specified feeling.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
I heard a flutter when she spoke.
He said he could do it, but the flutter in his voice told me he lacked confidence.
"Wellllll..." he said, and I could tell from the flutter that he was not going to commit to buy today.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flicker
Antonyms: none provided
32
noun
Meaning 32
A fluctuation in sound, especially a malfunction in technology.
The sound of a camera shutter opening to let in light when taking a picture, or the sound of a camera app that simulates the same thing.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
The explosion of flutters behind me let me know the paparazzi were here.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flicker
Antonyms: none provided
33
noun
Meaning 33
A fluctuation in sound, especially a malfunction in technology.
A sound distortion in film, as in an old movie, caused by variable film speed across the sound head.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
A lot of people find the flutter of film to be an annoying distraction.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flicker
Antonyms: none provided
34
noun
Meaning 34
A fluctuation in sound, especially a malfunction in technology.
The distortion in a cassette recording, especially the distortion caused by variations in the speed of the magnetic tape due to sticking and slipping during playback or recording.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
The flutter is part of the appeal for cassette enthusiasts.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flicker
Antonyms: none provided
35
noun
Meaning 35
A fluctuation in sound, especially a malfunction in technology.
The rapid variation of signal parameters, such as amplitude, phase, and frequency, caused by variations in the speed of the playback from a record player; the condition of having such variation.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
A fluctuation in sound, especially a malfunction in technology.
The sound distortion created by vibrations in a speaker; speaker flutter.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
I finally solved the flutter from that speaker.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flicker
Antonyms: none provided
40
noun
Meaning 40
A flicker or fluctuation in light; a type of visual distortion.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
The flutter of the lamplight cast a romantic glow on the room.
The flutter effect strains my eyes.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flicker
Antonyms: none provided
41
noun
Meaning 41
A flicker or fluctuation in light; a type of visual distortion.
A malfunction in the image on a television, monitor or screen, which may be fluctuations in brightness, bands of distortion or a flickering or blurry quality; the condition of displaying such a malfunction.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
I hate watching that TV, because of its flutter.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flicker
Antonyms: none provided
42
noun
Meaning 42
A flicker or fluctuation in light; a type of visual distortion.
A jumping or flickering effect in a film or a video, which may come from damage to the film or to defects in the recording, such as a shaky camera, or which may be a digital effect that simulates such conditions.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
The flutter on those old movies makes it hard to see the details.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flicker
Antonyms: none provided
43
noun
Meaning 43
A speculative endeavor, especially a small one; an act of taking a flutter (To support a risky option.).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
44
noun
Meaning 44
A speculative endeavor, especially a small one; an act of taking a flutter (To support a risky option.).
An attempt or try.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, dated, uncountable, usually
Examples
We had a flutter on the project, but we didn't get very far on it.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
45
noun
Meaning 45
A speculative endeavor, especially a small one; an act of taking a flutter (To support a risky option.).
An act of foxhunting.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: UK, countable, uncountable
Qualifier: usually a flutter over
Examples
We should have luck with a flutter over the north field.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
46
noun
Meaning 46
A speculative endeavor, especially a small one; an act of taking a flutter (To support a risky option.).
A small bet or risky investment, especially from a rookie gambler; an act of taking a flutter (To place a small bet.).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: UK, countable, uncountable
Examples
I fancied a flutter, and I won eighty pounds on it.
30 July, 2009, Eurosport, Gray Matter: How will Schu do? So with his victory odds currently at 14/1 or 3/1 for the podium, he's still most certainly well worth a flutter [...]
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
47
noun
Meaning 47
A speculative endeavor, especially a small one; an act of taking a flutter (To support a risky option.).
A hasty or casual game, e.g. of cards.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
We usually just have a flutter after dinner, but once the game is through, we all go to our rooms.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
48
noun
Meaning 48
One or more objects or phenomena that flutter, that move as if fluttering, that appear to be fluttering or that cause fluttering; something fluttery.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
The castle was adorned with ribbons, flags and other flutters that waved in the stiff wind.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
49
noun
Meaning 49
One or more objects or phenomena that flutter, that move as if fluttering, that appear to be fluttering or that cause fluttering; something fluttery.
A state of being amid or decorated in items that flutter.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
50
noun
Meaning 50
One or more objects or phenomena that flutter, that move as if fluttering, that appear to be fluttering or that cause fluttering; something fluttery.
A flurry of snow, smoke, dust, etc., or a light rain shower, or another phenomenon experientially similar to a light burst of rain or snow.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
A flutter of snow covered the landscape in a thin layer of white.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
51
noun
Meaning 51
One or more objects or phenomena that flutter, that move as if fluttering, that appear to be fluttering or that cause fluttering; something fluttery.
A breeze or wind that might cause an item to flutter.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
The flag was hanging limp all day, until a flutter made it stand up and ripple for a few seconds.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
52
noun
Meaning 52
One or more objects or phenomena that flutter, that move as if fluttering, that appear to be fluttering or that cause fluttering; something fluttery.
The flow and feel of a garment or outfit, particularly a woman's dress or gown, which moves or appears likely to move in a graceful and airy manner when worn, especially in a light breeze.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
The flutter in that gauge-cock makes it hard to see what the correct water level is.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
56
noun
Meaning 56
A small amount or a small sign of something.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
The nuns prayed on the matter daily, sending flutters of devotion to the heavens.
Everywhere he saw flutters of war and knew the rumors of peace were mere idle talk.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
57
noun
Meaning 57
A small amount or a small sign of something.
A fragment or flash of a color or of light or sound.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
Amid the flutters of sunshine drifting through the dense canopy, I spotted my target.
Here on the painting we see flutters of blue, suggesting the sky beyond.
Aside from a few stray flutters of laughter, the audience was silent.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
58
noun
Meaning 58
A small amount or a small sign of something.
A scrap or fragment of, e.g., rumors, history, sentiment, etc.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, figuratively, uncountable
Examples
I asked around and heard nothing concrete, just flutters of accusations of bad behavior.
Despite the lack of written records, we have dredged up a few flutters of information about that era of history.
Polls are scarce on this subject, so this one flutter of data may be all we have to make our decision.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
59
verb
Meaning 59
To flap or wave quickly but irregularly.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive
Examples
flags fluttering in the wind
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
60
verb
Meaning 60
Of a winged animal: to flap the wings without flying; to fly with a light flapping of the wings.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
61
verb
Meaning 61
To undergo divergent oscillations (potentially to the point of causing structural failure) due to a positive feedback loop between elastic deformation and aerodynamic forces.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Narrower terms: convulsion, turmoil, upheaval, earthquake, incident, stir, splash, storm, tempest, storm center, storm centre, tumult, tumultuousness, uproar, garboil
70
noun
Meaning 70
abnormally rapid beating of the auricles of the heart (especially in a regular rhythm); can result in heart block
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: cardiac arrhythmia, arrhythmia
71
verb
Meaning 71
wink briefly
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
bat one's eyelids
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: bat
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: blink, wink, nictitate, nictate
72
verb
Meaning 72
move back and forth very rapidly
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
the candle flickered
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flicker, waver, flitter, quiver
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: move back and forth
73
verb
Meaning 73
beat rapidly
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
His heart palpitated
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: palpitate
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: beat, pound, thump
74
verb
Meaning 74
move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
The hummingbird flitted among the branches
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: flit, fleet, dart
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: travel rapidly, speed, hurry, zip
Narrower terms: butterfly
75
verb
Meaning 75
flap the wings rapidly or fly with flapping movements
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
The seagulls fluttered overhead
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: beat, flap
History
Etymology
From Middle English floteren, from Old English floterian, flotorian (“to float about, flutter”), from Proto-Germanic *flutrōną, frequentative of Proto-Germanic *flutōną (“to float”), equivalent to float + -er (frequentative suffix). Cognate with West Frisian flodderje (“to flutter, beat”), Dutch flodderen (“to flutter, wave”), Low German fluttern, fluddern (“to flutter”), German flittern (“to sparkle, glitter”). More at float.
Across languages
Translations
113 source translations are retained for this English entry.
Bulgarian:
пърхане
(pǎrhane)
— act of fluttering
Bulgarian:
пляскане
(pljaskane)
— act of fluttering
Finnish:
lepatus
— act of fluttering
Finnish:
läpyttely
— act of fluttering
Finnish:
läpytys
— act of fluttering
Finnish:
puistelu
— act of fluttering
French:
battement
— act of fluttering
Marathi:
फडफड
(phaḍphaḍ)
— act of fluttering
Marathi:
आस्फारण
(āsphāraṇ)
— act of fluttering
Marathi:
स्फुरण
(sphuraṇ)
— act of fluttering
Polish:
trzepot
— act of fluttering
Portuguese:
tremulação
— act of fluttering
Russian:
трепет
(trepet)
— act of fluttering
Russian:
порхание
(porxanije)
— act of fluttering
Bulgarian:
вълнение
(vǎlnenie)
— state of agitation
