flapping

flap-ping · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    Moving up and down or back and forth with a slapping motion, especially of wings.

  2. 2.

    Swinging or waving loosely.

  3. 3.

    (informal, British) Panicking or getting agitated.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    flapping about — moving around in an agitated manner; panicking

Related words

Antonyms: motionless, still
See also: flap, flutter, wave
Synonyms: beating, fluttering, waving

Etymology

Present participle of "flap," from Middle English flappen ("to strike, slap"), of imitative origin.