verb C1 Advanced

flicker

FLIH-kuh

Flicker (verb) means to shine or burn unsteadily, with light that wavers. Example: “The candle flickered in the draft.”

verb

To shine or burn unsteadily, with light that wavers.

"The candle flickered in the draft."

To appear and disappear briefly; to flutter.

"A smile flickered across her face."

noun

An unsteady, wavering flash of light.

"They saw the flicker of a campfire in the distance."

A type of small woodpecker.

"A flicker tapped away at the old oak tree."

How to use flicker

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn unsteady, brief light or motion — a candle flickers, or a feeling flickers across someone's face.

Common pairings

flicker of light flicker of hope flicker across someone's face

Word forms

flickered past tense, flickers plural, flickers plural, Flickers plural, flickers singular

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The candle _____ in the draft.

Etymology

From Old English flicorian ("to flutter"), related to Old English fleogan ("to fly").

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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spark flick glint waver quiver flutter flitter

Related words

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Rhymes for flicker

wicker ticker kicker bicker sicker Picker clicker snicker sticker slicker trafficker

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Frequently asked questions

What does “flicker” mean?

The word “flicker” means to shine or burn unsteadily, with light that wavers. In plain terms, an unsteady, brief light or motion — a candle flickers, or a feeling flickers across someone's face.

How do you pronounce “flicker”?

“Flicker” is pronounced FLIH-kuh (/ˈflɪkɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “flicker” in a sentence?

Here is “flicker” used in a sentence: “The candle flickered in the draft.”

What part of speech is “flicker”?

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

Where does the word “flicker” come from?

The word “flicker” comes from Old English. From Old English flicorian ("to flutter"), related to Old English fleogan ("to fly").

How many meanings does “flicker” have?

“Flicker” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to shine or burn unsteadily, with light that wavers.

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