flapper

noun

flap·​per ˈfla-pər How to pronounce flapper (audio)
1
a
: something used in flapping or striking
b
: one that flaps
2
: a young woman
specifically : a young woman of the period of World War I and the following decade who showed freedom from conventions (as in conduct)

Examples of flapper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Delicate dresses that hinted at flapper silhouettes of the 1920s (a nod to its 100 years of history) had dropped-down waists and were adorned with exquisite embroidery, detailed fringing and crystals. Laia Farran Graves, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 Magnum reminds us that the Jazz Age of flappers and gin, which Fitzgerald invented, peaked in ’22. Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 22 Sep. 2024 Naeem Khan Gatsby embellished chiffon mini dress $4,995 NET-A-PORTER Embrace the ’20s with a modern-day flapper style dress that will sparkle and shine with every dance move. Julie Tong, Vogue, 1 July 2024 What a lively atmosphere, too, with a jazz band and dancers in flapper dresses entertaining the audience in the lobby before the concert. Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flapper 

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

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of flapper was circa 1570

Dictionary Entries Near flapper

Cite this Entry

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

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