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 predominantly of the 1910s and 1920s who showed freedom from conventions (as in style of dress and conduct)

Examples of flapper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In true 1920s flapper flair, Bundle is swept away in the fun and delight of a party being held at the estate. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 Jan. 2026 Her Prada plisse gown, with a drop waist cummerbund that fell into fringes of glass beads, was more the spirit of Art Deco – stately but uncompromising – then flapper costume from Spirit Halloween. Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026 Set the scene The lobby still captures the Art Deco glamour of the Jazz Age when flapper girls once hobnobbed with European royalty. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Jan. 2026 McKellar was dressed in a black, sparkly flapper dress while her husband, Scott Sveslosky, wore a white tux with a black bow tie. Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flapper

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flapper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flapper. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on flapper

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!