flap

Pronunciation: /flæp/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun any broad thin and limber covering attached at one edge; hangs loose or projects freely
  2. noun an excited state of agitation
  3. noun the motion made by flapping up and down

Etymology

From Middle English flap, flappe (“a slap; blow; buffet; fly-flap; something flexible or loose; flap”), related to Saterland Frisian Flappert (“wing, flipper”), Middle Dutch flabbe (“a blow; slap on the face; fly-flap; flap”) (modern Dutch flap (“flap”)), Middle Low German flabbe, vlabbe, flebbe, from the verb (see below). Related also to English flab and flabby.

In classic literature

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
covering
Narrower (hyponyms)
earflap, jag, coattail, barndoor, tongue, pocket flap

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