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verb B2 Upper-Intermediate

flutter

FLUH-tuh

Flutter (verb) means to flap or move quickly and irregularly. Example: “The curtains fluttered in the breeze.”

verb
1
To flap or move quickly and irregularly.
"The curtains fluttered in the breeze."
"Her heart fluttered nervously before the interview."
noun
1
A rapid, irregular fluttering movement or feeling.
"She felt a flutter of nerves before walking on stage."

How to Use Flutter

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA quick, light, irregular movement — like wings, eyelashes, or a nervous heartbeat.

Common pairings
flutter of wings heart flutters flutter of nerves

Word Forms

fluttered past tense, flutters plural, flutters singular

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The curtains _____ in the breeze.

Etymology

From Old English floterian, "to float about, flutter," related to the word "float."

Origin: Old English

Related Words

Rhymes for flutter

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “flutter” mean?

The word “flutter” means to flap or move quickly and irregularly. In plain terms, a quick, light, irregular movement — like wings, eyelashes, or a nervous heartbeat.

How do you pronounce “flutter”?

“Flutter” is pronounced FLUH-tuh (/ˈflʌtɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “flutter” in a sentence?

Here is “flutter” used in a sentence: “The curtains fluttered in the breeze.”

What part of speech is “flutter”?

Depending on how it is used, “flutter” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “flutter” come from?

The word “flutter” comes from Old English. From Old English floterian, "to float about, flutter," related to the word "float.".

How many meanings does “flutter” have?

“Flutter” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to flap or move quickly and irregularly.

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