First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1flounder
noun floun·der \ˈflau̇n-dər\
: a type of fish that has a flat body and that is eaten as food
plural flounder or flounders
Full Definition of FLOUNDER
: flatfish; especially : a marine fish of either of two families (Pleuronectidae and Bothidae) that include important food fishes
See flounder defined for English-language learners
See flounder defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of FLOUNDER
Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian flundra flounder
2flounder
verb
: to move in an awkward way with a lot of difficulty and effort
: to be unsure about what to do or say
: to have a lot of problems and difficulties
floun·deredfloun·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of FLOUNDER
intransitive verb
1
: to struggle to move or obtain footing : thrash about wildly
2
: to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually
See flounder defined for English-language learners
Origin of FLOUNDER
probably alteration of founder
First Known Use: 1592
FLOUNDERING Defined for Kids
1flounder
noun floun·der \ˈflau̇n-dər\
Definition of FLOUNDER for Kids
: a flatfish used for food
2flounder
verb
floun·deredfloun·der·ing
Definition of FLOUNDER for Kids
1
: to struggle to move or get footing <The horses were floundering in the mud.>
2
: to behave or do something in a clumsy way <I floundered through the speech.>
Learn More About FLOUNDER
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: flounderinglyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: flouncingAll Words Near: flounder
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up flounder? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).