flutter
9
2.7
- noun
- /ˈflʌtər/
- There was a slight flutter in his voice as he said it.
- a flutter of wings
- a flutter of leaves
- a flutter of birds
Examples
-
And the last thing I heard before I lost consciousness was the fluttering of little wings.
Fiction book (1996) -
There were many high-pitched shrieks of joy and a flutter of waved handkerchiefs as we left.
Fiction book (1993) -
I hear it, the flutter of life like a little white bird.
-
I felt like a little flutter in my stomach and I thought that must be the baby, but I haven't felt anything since.
-
I love the fluttering of the wing.
-
I walk out onstage, hear the applause, and feel a slight flutter in my stomach.
Fiction book (1997) -
From the corridor, Myrmeen heard the fluttering wings of the creature outside.
Fiction book (1992) -
I saw the Chairman's handkerchief dislodge itself from the fabric and flutter to the ground.
Fiction book (1997) -
His stick-thin body slipped from the stairwell shadows in a soft flutter of robes and labored breathing.
Fiction book (1993) -
I love watching the flutter of butterflies as they dance from flower to flower in the garden.
Synonyms
27
3.9
A brief unsteady flash of light, movement, or feeling
23
3.4
A soft sound that leaves make when they move
7
1.0
A repeated up-and-down movement of wings, flags, or sails
6
2.0
A quick up and down movement, often made by wings
3
3.0
A quick, light movement up and down by wings or leaves
2
6.8
The repeated sound wings make when they move
1
3.7
The movement of a bird's or insect's wings as they fly
1
7.4
A sudden quick movement like a bird or insect passing
1
9.9
A regular beat that a heart or rain makes
Antonyms
Idioms
Compounds
- Specialized
1
3.4
A fast up-and-down kick with straight legs used in freestyle and backstroke
How Fast
Surface Forms
Etymology
Flutter as a noun comes from the idea of 'flapping', so it names a quick, light, repeated movement — just like the soft, repeated beats of a bird's wings. That's why a flutter is a small, repeated motion.