flap
flap Lexical Profile
flap Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A piece of thin material, such as cloth, paper, or skin, hinged or attached on one side and hanging loose or covering an opening.
"She sealed the envelope tightly after tucking in the flap."
A single motion of something broad and loosely attached beating back and forth, or the sound produced by this motion.
"With a sudden flap of its enormous wings, the heron took to the sky."
A state of panic, agitation, or anxious confusion.
"The organizers were in a terrible flap when the keynote speaker arrived an hour late."
• verb
To move (something broad or flat, especially wings) up and down or from side to side.
"The crow flapped its wings vigorously before gaining enough altitude to clear the trees."
To swing or wave loosely back and forth, often producing a sharp sound, like a flag in the wind.
"The sails began to flap violently as the wind rapidly changed direction."
British To become agitated, panicked, or excessively worried over a minor issue.
"There is no need to flap; we still have plenty of time to catch the train."
• Rhymes for flap
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English flappen, likely of imitative origin, mimicking the sudden, sharp sound of a broad object striking against a surface.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.