flutter

Fetched 2026-10-26 (cache).

Synonyms: flitter, aflutter, clutter, fluster, flatter, fluter, futter, lutter, fluther, flotter, flutier

Antonyms: flitter, aflutter, clutter, fluster, flatter, fluter, futter, lutter, fluther, flotter, flutier

Related words from Datamuse; suggestions, not definitions.

Verb

1. {{lb|en|intransitive}} To [[flap]] or [[wave]] [[quickly]] but [[irregularly]].
2. {{lb|en|intransitive}} Of a [[winged#Adjective|winged]] [[animal]]: to [[flap#Verb|flap]] the [[wing#Noun|wings]] without [[fly#Verb|flying]]; to fly with a [[light#Adjective|light]] flapping of the wings.
3. {{lb|en|intransitive|aerodynamics}} To undergo [[divergent]] [[oscillation]]s (potentially to the point of causing [[structural failure]]) due to a [[positive feedback]] loop between [[elastic]] [[deformation]] and [[aerodynamic]] [[force]]s.
4. {{lb|en|transitive}} To cause something to [[flap]].
5. {{lb|en|transitive}} To [[drive#Verb|drive]] into [[disorder#Noun|disorder]]; to [[throw#Verb|throw]] into [[confusion]].
6. {{lb|en|intransitive}} To be in a state of [[agitation]] or [[uncertainty]].
7. {{lb|en|intransitive|obsolete}} To be [[frivolous]].
8. {{lb|en|espionage|slang}} To subject to a [[lie detector]] [[test]].

Noun

1. The act of [[fluttering]], or multiple acts thereof; the back-and-forth motion of fluttering; a state of fluttering.
2. A [[quick]] and [[irregular]] [[motion]] or [[vibration]], or multiple such motions.
3. A [[spasmodic]] vibration of one or more body parts or the entire body; a [[shudder]].
4. A physical oscillation in a mechanical device; a state of oscillation; the action of oscillation.
5. A fluctuation in [[sound]], especially a [[malfunction]] in technology.
6. A flicker or fluctuation in [[light]]; a type of visual distortion.
7. A speculative endeavor, especially a small one; an act of [[take a flutter|taking a flutter]] (''To support a risky option.'').
8. One or more [[object]]s or [[phenomena]] that flutter, that move as if fluttering, that appear to be fluttering or that cause fluttering; something [[fluttery]].
9. A small [[amount]] or a small [[sign]] of something.

Source: Wiktionary · CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wiktionary dump) · cached copy, not a rewrite.