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
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.
Then: French Bob Silent film actress Louise Brooks was the iconic symbol of the 20s flapper style—and the super-short sleek bob with bangs that were popular during the era, known as the French bob. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2025 The party scenes are tawdry, with flappers frenetically jiggling, their underwear peeking out and soused guests making spectacles of themselves. Danielle Teller, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025 In California and Nebraska, students threw lavish parties in flapper garb, with soda for champagne. Alexander Manshel, New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2025 Buy Now 06 of 14 'The Chosen and the Beautiful' by Nghi Vo Daisy’s longtime friend and sardonic golf-playing flapper Jordan Baker is a minor character in The Great Gatsby. Danielle Teller, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Flapper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flapper. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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