flounce

verb (1)

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\ ˈflau̇n(t)s

flounced; flouncing

Definition of flounce

(Entry 1 of 4)

intransitive verb

1a : to move with exaggerated jerky or bouncy motions flounced about the room, jerking her shoulders, gesticulating— Agatha Christie also : to move so as to draw attention to oneself flounced into the lobby

b : to go with sudden determination flounced out in a huff

2 : flounder, struggle

flounce

noun (1)

Definition of flounce (Entry 2 of 4)

: an act or instance of flouncing moved with a flounce

flounce

noun (2)

Definition of flounce (Entry 3 of 4)

: a strip of fabric attached by one edge also : a wide ruffle

flounce

verb (2)

flounced; flouncing

Definition of flounce (Entry 4 of 4)

transitive verb

: to trim with flounces

Synonyms Did you know? Learn More About flounce

Did you know?

The story behind flounce is an elusive one. The verb's earliest recorded uses in English occurred in the mid-1500s, and some scholars believe it is related to the Norwegian verb flunsa (meaning "to hurry" or "to work briskly") and Swedish flunsa ("to fall with a splash" or "to plunge"). The connection is uncertain, however, because the flunsa verbs did not appear in their respective languages until the 18th century, long after flounce surfaced in English. A second distinct sense of flounce, referring to a strip or ruffle of fabric attached on one edge, did not appear in English until the 18th century. This flounce derives from the Middle English frouncen, meaning "to curl."