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flutter

flutter

11 2.7
A quick, light repeated movement, like wings or leaves
  • noun
  • /ˈflʌtər/
translation icon : aleteo
  • 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

flicker
vsflutter
41 3.9

A brief unsteady flash of light, movement, or feeling

is repeated light physical motion rather than a brief visual flash
rustling
vsflutter
31 3.4

A soft sound that leaves make when they move

is the repeated light movement itself rather than the resulting sound
flap
vsflutter
23 2.0

A quick up and down movement, often made by wings

is repeated light movement that is usually gentler and smaller
flapping
vsflutter
2 1.0

A repeated up-and-down movement of wings, flags, or sails

is similar but stresses quickness and lightness more
wingbeat
vsflutter
  • Specialized
1 3.7

The movement of a bird's or insect's wings as they fly

is broader, applying to light repeated movement beyond flight
flit
vsflutter
1 7.4

A sudden quick movement like a bird or insect passing

is repeated and light rather than a single sudden dart
fluttering
vsflutter
1 3.0

A quick, light movement up and down by wings or leaves

is the same general repeated light movement in many contexts
flap flap
vsflutter
6.8

The repeated sound wings make when they move

focuses on the movement itself rather than mainly the sound
battement
vsflutter
9.9

A regular beat that a heart or rain makes

is the everyday light repeated movement rather than formal rhythmic beat

Antonyms

52 1.0

A quiet, peaceful feeling that helps you stay steady

38 3.5

A time of complete quiet and no movement that feels calm

Idioms

To cause sudden excitement or trouble in a calm group

Compounds

A quick nervous feeling in your chest when you are excited

flutter kick
  • Specialized
3.4

A fast up-and-down kick with straight legs used in freestyle and backstroke

How Fast

to twitch
66 2.8
to quiver
47 4.5
flutter
11 2.7
to flap
54 1.4
to beat
  • NSFW
1.2

Surface Forms

flutter singular
flutters plural

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.