WordGarden.ioflap
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /flˈæp/
US
- /ˈflæp/
Meanings
Noun
a flat piece attached along one edge that covers or hangs from something
a hinged surface on an aircraft wing used to change lift or drag
a piece of tissue partly detached or moved for surgical repair
More meaningsFewer meanings
an anxious fuss, commotion, or upset
Verb
to move up and down or back and forth loosely or quickly
to become anxious, flustered, or panicky
Beyond the definition
A flap isn't always about birds. It can be a piece that folds over, like the part of an envelope you seal or the cover on a pocket. But it also describes quick, repeated movement; think of a bird flapping its wings or a flag moving in the wind. A news story might cause a "flap" in the media, meaning a brief period of excitement or trouble.
Think about a dog's ears flapping as it runs, or imagine a politician causing a "flap" with a controversial statement. In both cases, the word suggests something active and usually short-lived, whether it is physical movement or a moment of public reaction.
The word "flap" is surprisingly versatile, describing both physical actions and moments of excitement or disturbance. At its core, a flap involves a quick back-and-forth or up-and-down motion. This is most obvious when we think of wings flapping: "the bird flapped its wings and soared into the sky." It can also describe something that hangs loosely and moves in this way: "The wind caused the tent flap to billow."
But "flap" isn't limited to movement. It refers to a part of something that folds over, like the flap on an envelope or a pocket. These flaps often serve as closures—keeping things secure.
Figuratively, a "flap" describes a sudden commotion or brief period of excitement and fuss. A minor scandal might cause "a bit of a flap" in the office, meaning people are talking about it excitedly and perhaps anxiously. It suggests something temporary and not overly serious. You might even say someone is "in a flap," meaning they are agitated or flustered.
So, whether it's a physical movement, a folding piece of material, or a brief burst of activity, "flap" always implies a quick, often lighthearted, and sometimes slightly chaotic energy.
Examples
- 1
Wind movement
The flag flapped in the wind outside the station.
- 2
Bird movement
A pigeon flapped up from the pavement as we walked past.
- 3
Loose clothing
He ran across the field with his jacket flapping behind him.
- 4
Waving action
She flapped a towel at the smoke alarm until it stopped.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Envelope part
Fold the flap over and seal the envelope.
- 6
Anxiety
Try not to flap if the train is a few minutes late.
- 7
Worried confusion
Everyone was in a flap when the passports went missing.
- Phrasein a flap
worried and confused
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- flapnounverb
Forms
- flapspluralnounverb
- flapping-ing formverbnoun
- flappedpast tenseverbnoun