flapping

2 1.0

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

noun
/ˈflæpɪŋ/

: batir

He swam above the stingray and mimicked its flappings.
wings flapping

Examples

The bird's flapping wings created a flurry of leaves as it took off from the ground.
It's falling and flapping and thinking Mama is crazy.
They seemed about to start a dance, the tiny rhythm in the flapping sleeves.
During the performance, the dancers moved their arms in graceful flapping motions that captivated the audience.
She watched the flapping of the flags in the breeze, and it reminded her of summer days at the beach.

Synonyms

flap

vsflapping

23 2.0

A quick up and down movement, often made by wings

is typically looser and less forceful in motion

flutter

vsflapping

11 2.7

A quick, light repeated movement, like wings or leaves

is broader and can mean any loose waving up and down motion

fluttering

vsflapping

1 3.0

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

is a general up and down motion that can be slower or heavier

flap flap

vsflapping

6.8

The repeated sound wings make when they move

focuses on the motion itself rather than its noise or imitation

Antonyms

stillness

38 3.5

A time of complete quiet and no movement that feels calm

How Vigorous

flapping

2 1.0

fluttering

1 3.0

Surface Forms

flapping singular

flappings plural

Morphology

flapping = flap (transparent) = flap + ing

A standard gerund/participantive '-ing' formation from the verb 'flap' meaning 'the act or motion of flapping', easily predictable for learners.

Etymology

The word flapping comes from the simple sound flap, a word made to copy the quick beat of wings or the hit of loose cloth. So flapping means the repeated 'up-and-down' or 'waving' movement you hear or see in wings, flags, or sails.