flapper

noun

flap·​per ˈfla-pər 

1

a

: something used in flapping or striking

b

: one that flaps

c

: flipper sense 1

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

From 1920s flappers to modern-day stage performers, the innovative T-strap detail—which typically connects vertically from the shoe’s toebox to a supportive ankle strap—offers a comfortability and secure fit ideal for dancing, light running or galavanting across stage. —Elizabeth Grace Coyne, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025

Over the decades, the style evolved into embellished skull caps that became part of the 1920s flapper outfit, later being revisited during the bathing cap wave from the 1950s and turned into a statement accessory by pop stars and hippies in the 1970s. —Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 5 Aug. 2025

Additionally, slow leaks or a faulty toilet flapper can result in significantly higher water bills, as well as unexpected repair costs. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Aug. 2025

There were lots of fedoras, pearls and flapper dresses among the couple of hundred guests; even Santa Claus traded in his standard hat for one of the flat variety and eschewed his regular red-and-white suit for a stylish red vest. —Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 27 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for flapper

• capper
• clapper
• dapper
• kapur
• mapper
• napper
• rapper
• sapper
• snapper
• tapper
• trapper
• wrapper