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Definition of flinders

flinders

/ˈflɪn.dɚz/
flin · ders
Plural:flinders
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flinders Lexical Profile

flinders Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Small fragments, splinters, or shattered pieces, typically the result of something being violently smashed or broken.

Example

"The explosive impact of the cannonball blew the heavy wooden doors to flinders."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

The word is almost exclusively used in its plural form and typically appears in expressions describing violent destruction, such as 'smashed to flinders' or 'blown to flinders', functioning very similarly to 'smithereens'.

• Nearby Words

flimsy
flinch
flinchingly
flinders
flinders river
fling
flint

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the mid 15th century. It is likely of Scandinavian origin, related to the Norwegian dialect word 'flindra' (splinter), or possibly connected to Middle Dutch 'vlinder' (butterfly), evoking the image of small pieces fluttering through the air.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Flinders. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/flinders
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