flutter
pronunciation
How to pronounce flutter in British English:
UK [ˈflʌtə(r)]
How to pronounce flutter in American English:
US [ˈflʌtər]
-
- Noun:
- the act of moving back and forth
- abnormally rapid beating of the auricles of the heart (especially in a regular rhythm); can result in heart block
- a disorderly outburst or tumult
- the motion made by flapping up and down
-
- Verb:
- move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart
- move back and forth very rapidly
- beat rapidly
- wink briefly
Word Origin
- flutter (v.)
- Old English floterian "to flutter (of birds), to fly before, flicker, float to and fro, be tossed by waves," frequentative of flotian "to float" (see float (v.)). Meaning "throw (someone) into confusion" is from 1660s. Related: Fluttered; fluttering. As a noun, "quick, irregular motion," from 1640s; meaning "state of excitement" is 1740s. Flutterpate "flighty person" is from 1894.
Example
- 1. Instead , it would flutter to the ground , like a leaf .
- 2. And although investors may dislike being called gamblers , they still like a flutter .
- 3. The next time you see a butterfly flutter by , take a moment to notice the colors on its wings .
- 4. These bombs , longer than a tin can but about as big around , fall to earth trailing cloth tails that flutter behind them ; they are almost a beautiful sight .
- 5. As he pushes open the gate and passes up the wide white walk , he sees a flutter of female garments ; his wife , looking fresh and cool and sweet , steps down from the veranda to meet him .