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Definition of flap

flap

/flæp/
flap

Plural:flaps
•
Past Simple:flapped
•
Past Participle:flapped
•
Present Participle:flapping
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flap Lexical Profile

flap Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A piece of thin material, such as cloth, paper, or skin, hinged or attached on one side and hanging loose or covering an opening.

Example

"She sealed the envelope tightly after tucking in the flap."


2

A single motion of something broad and loosely attached beating back and forth, or the sound produced by this motion.

Example

"With a sudden flap of its enormous wings, the heron took to the sky."


3

A state of panic, agitation, or anxious confusion.

Example

"The organizers were in a terrible flap when the keynote speaker arrived an hour late."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To move (something broad or flat, especially wings) up and down or from side to side.

Example

"The crow flapped its wings vigorously before gaining enough altitude to clear the trees."


2

To swing or wave loosely back and forth, often producing a sharp sound, like a flag in the wind.

Example

"The sails began to flap violently as the wind rapidly changed direction."


3

British To become agitated, panicked, or excessively worried over a minor issue.

Example

"There is no need to flap; we still have plenty of time to catch the train."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• 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.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Flap. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/flap
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