flap

1 of 2

noun

1
: a stroke with something broad : slap
2
obsolete : something broad and flat used for striking
3
: something that is broad, limber, or flat and usually thin and that hangs loose or projects freely: such as
a
: a piece on a garment that hangs free
b
: a part of a book jacket that folds under the book's cover
c
: a piece of tissue partly severed from its place of origin for use in surgical grafting
d
: an extended part forming the closure (as of an envelope or carton)
4
: the motion of something broad and limber (such as a sail or wing)
5
: a movable auxiliary airfoil usually attached to an airplane wing's trailing edge to increase lift or drag see airplane illustration
6
a
: a state of excitement or agitation : tizzy, uproar
b
: something that generates an uproar
7
: a consonant (such as the sound \d\ in ladder and \t\ in latter) characterized by a single rapid contact of the tongue or lower lip against another point in the mouth

called also tap

flap

2 of 2

verb

flapped; flapping

transitive verb

1
: to beat with or as if with a flap
2
: to toss sharply : fling
3
: to move or cause to move in flaps

intransitive verb

1
: to sway loosely usually with a noise of striking and especially when moved by wind
2
a
: to beat or pulsate wings or something suggesting wings
b
: to progress by flapping
c
: to flutter ineffectively
3
: to talk foolishly and persistently

Examples of flap in a Sentence

Noun She opened the tent flap and crawled outside. the inside flap of a book's cover a loose flap of skin Verb The breeze flapped the sails. The flag flapped in the breeze. The bird's wings were flapping.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The luggage tag is equally well made, with a gold buckle and a security flap that conceals your details in transit. Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 15 Oct. 2024 Its main compartment has a zip closure that’s covered by a saddle flap with a magnetic snap button for extra security. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 23 Sep. 2024
Verb
Green Rolex flags fly on the masts, flapping in the breeze, and even the superyachts in the area are upstaged by the packs of Swans racing against each other, many with billowed black sails, around the area’s stunning waters. Tonya Russell, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2024 Outside of First Christian Church in Katy, two massive rainbow flags flap in the wind, framing the church's marquee next to the parking lot's entrance. Gwen Howerton, Chron, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flap 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flap.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English flappe

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flap was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near flap

Cite this Entry

“Flap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flap. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

flap

1 of 2 noun
1
2
: a broad, limber, or flat piece that hangs loose (as on a pocket or envelope)
3
: the motion or sound of a flap
4
: a movable part of an airplane wing that is attached to the trailing edge of the wing and that is used to increase lift or drag

flap

2 of 2 verb
flapped; flapping
1
2
: to move or cause to move with a beating motion
flapping its wings

Medical Definition

flap

noun
: a piece of tissue partly severed from its place of origin for use in surgical grafting

More from Merriam-Webster on flap

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