flapping
word · lemma: flap
Definition
Moving up and down or back and forth quickly, usually referring to wings or something loose, like cloth. It can also describe the movement or sound made by this action.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used for bird or insect wings ('flapping wings'), flags ('flapping in the wind'), or clothing. Rarely used for people, except for arms in a humorous way. Often used to imply repetitive, noticeable movement or noise.
Spanish: aleteo - aleteandoPortuguese (BR): bater (asas) - tremularPortuguese (PT): bater (asas) - tremularChinese (Simplified): 拍打 - 扑扇Chinese (Traditional): 拍打 - 拍翅Hindi: फड़फड़ानाArabic: خفقان - رفرفةBengali: ফড়ফড়ানোRussian: хлопание - маханиеJapanese: はばたき - バタバタ（動作）Vietnamese: vẫy - đập (cánh, vải)Korean: 퍼덕거림 - 퍼드덕거림Turkish: çırpınma - dalgalanmaUrdu: پھڑپھڑاناIndonesian: berkibar - mengepak
Example Sentences
The bird was flapping its wings.
basic
I could hear the sound of birds flapping outside my window.
natural
My papers went flapping everywhere when the fan turned on.
natural
The flag was flapping in the wind.
basic
The curtains were flapping because the window was open.
basic
He came running, arms flapping wildly.
natural