flap 1 of 2

flap

2 of 2

verb

as in to flutter
to move or cause to move with a striking motion the stirring sight of a huge flock of geese flapping their wings

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of flap
Noun
The nylon case feels heavy duty with a flap to protect the screen and EVA foam internals that will protect the system from water damage. Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 13 June 2025 It can be worn as a backpack or messenger bag and has a magnetic front flap closure. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
Verb
Julian had a blast cradling the cooing birds and imitating the chant-like calls of the pigeon handlers, flapping his arms with glee as their flocks took flight and landed on command. Ashlea Halpern, AFAR Media, 30 Apr. 2025 The passive soaring wing design included buzzards, hawks, eagles and storks and they are spread out allowing these birds to effectively use thermals to gain altitude without having to use energy to flap their wings. Ernie Cowan, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flap
Noun
  • Another trait often ascribed to footballers is courage — the kind that enables them to put their head into a frenzy of flying boots, or take a decisive penalty when thousands are willing them to fail.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 6 July 2025
  • That one came down to a late penalty and sent the French crowd into a frenzy.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • What was supposed to be down and on the outside corner instead fluttered up and above the zone.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
  • Every exploding firework rocket will eventually tumble and flutter down to the ground in a cloud of debris.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • The Facebook group admins point out that Papa Rodger is similar to the name of a hero in the incel community, Elliot Rodger, the 22-year-old who killed seven men and women near the campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara, in a 2014 rampage that targeted a sorority house.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 11 July 2025
  • Shanes James, the man charged with killing six people in a 2023 shooting rampage that began in Bexar County and ended in Austin, has officially been deemed competent to stand trial.
    Austin American Statesman, Austin American Statesman, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flap. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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