WordGarden.ioflounce
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /flˈaʊns/
US
- /ˈflaʊns/
Meanings
Noun
a gathered strip of fabric used as a decorative trim
an exaggerated, showy, or irritated movement
Verb
to move or leave with exaggerated angry or impatient movements
to decorate or trim something with flounces
Beyond the definition
Imagine someone storming out of a room, moving in a sharp, showy way so everyone notices. That is the main idea of flounce. It usually describes walking or moving with clear annoyance, pride, or drama. Someone might flounce off after an argument, or flounce into a room to show they are upset. The word can also mean a wide ruffle sewn onto a skirt, sleeve, or dress, often made to bounce and move.
To flounce means to move with sudden, exaggerated motion, often to show annoyance, impatience, or a wish to be noticed. The movement is usually showy rather than calm. A person might flounce out of a room after a disagreement, or flounce in so that everyone can see how upset they are. It often suggests tossing movements of the body or clothes, as if the person wants their mood to be obvious. For example: "She flounced into the room, demanding to know why her favorite cookies were gone." That means she did not simply walk in quietly; she made a dramatic entrance.
As a verb, flounce describes both the action and the feeling behind it. It is often used when someone seems offended, annoyed, or overly dramatic. You might flounce out of a meeting because you feel insulted, or a performer might flounce across the stage to show off a large costume. The word often has a slightly critical or playful tone, because it suggests that the person is making a scene.
The word is also used as a noun in clothing. A flounce is a strip of fabric sewn onto a garment in loose folds, making a wide, soft ruffle. You often see it on skirts, sleeves, or dresses. This meaning connects naturally with the verb, because both suggest movement that is lively, noticeable, and a little dramatic. Whether it describes an offended exit or a bouncing ruffle on a dress, flounce is about motion that stands out.
Examples
- 1
Meeting conflict
She flounced out of the meeting when they rejected her idea.
- 2
Dramatic exit
"Fine, do it yourself," he said, flouncing off to his room.
- Patternflounce off/out
leave in a dramatic, offended way
- 3
Stage movement
The actress flounced across the stage in a long red dress.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- flouncenounverb
Forms
- flouncespluralnounverb
- flouncing-ing formverbnoun
- flouncedpast tenseverbnoun