First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1flutter
verb flut·ter \ˈflə-tər\
of a bird or insect : to move or flap the wings quickly without flying
: to fly lightly with quick beats of the wings
: to move with quick, light movements
Full Definition of FLUTTER
intransitive verb
1
: to flap the wings rapidly
2
a : to move with quick wavering or flapping motions b : to vibrate in irregular spasms
3
: to move about or behave in an agitated aimless manner
transitive verb
: to cause to flutter
— flut·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun
— flut·tery \-tər-ē\ adjective
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Origin of FLUTTER
Middle English floteren to float, flutter, from Old English floterian, frequentative of flotian to float; akin to Old English flēotan to float — more at fleet
2flutter
noun
: a quick, light movement
: a state of excitement or confusion
: a small bet
Full Definition of FLUTTER
1
: an act of fluttering
2
3
a : a distortion in reproduced sound similar to but of a higher pitch than wow b : fluctuation in the brightness of a television image
4
: an unwanted oscillation (as of an aileron or a bridge) set up by natural forces
5
chiefly British : a small speculative venture or gamble
See flutter defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FLUTTER
1641
Related to FLUTTER
Other Audio Recording Terms
FLUTTERING Defined for Kids
1flutter
verb flut·ter \ˈflə-tər\
flut·teredflut·ter·ing
Definition of FLUTTER for Kids
1
: to move the wings rapidly without flying or in making short flights <Butterflies fluttered over the garden.>
2
: to move with a quick flapping motion <Flags fluttered in the wind.>
3
: to move about excitedly <Salesclerks fluttered about the store.>
2flutter
noun
Definition of FLUTTER for Kids
1
: an act of moving or flapping quickly <a flutter of wings>
2
: a state of excitement <The contestants were all in a flutter.>
Medical Dictionary
flutter
noun flut·ter \ˈflət-ər\
Medical Definition of FLUTTER
: an abnormal rapid spasmodic and usually rhythmic motion or contraction of a body part <diaphragmatic flutter> <affected with ventricular flutter>
—flutter intransitive verb
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