fluttering

noun

flut·​ter·​ing ˈflə-tər-iŋ How to pronounce fluttering (audio)
plural flutterings
: a quick wavering or flapping movement or sensation
felt a fluttering in his stomach
That's about as small as the perturbation of air produced by the fluttering of a butterfly's wings …Gary Taubes

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Designed by the celebrated Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer in the 1950s, the Supreme Court, for instance, features columns of concrete clad in white marble that echo the fluttering of a sheet in the wind. André Spigariol, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2023 In strong winds, occupants have reported water sloshing in toilet bowls, chandeliers swaying, and panes of glass fluttering. Bianca Bosker, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2022 But from the fluttering of its aluminum hood on the highway to its lack of a heated steering wheel and rear climate-control vents, the WRX quickly reminds you of its economy-car roots. Mike Sutton, Car and Driver, 1 Nov. 2022 Another mourner laid her cheek on a coffin, stroking the polished wood with her hand amid a hush so profound that the faint fluttering of the flags could be heard. Fredrick Kunkle, Washington Post, 9 June 2022 Then the tempo slowed once more and the fluttering began to sound like chattering. BostonGlobe.com, 8 Nov. 2021 Doctors opposed to the bills dispute that description, saying the fluttering that is detected cannot exist outside the womb. Compiled Democrat-gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 2 Sep. 2021 The heart complications are more likely to occur in boys and young men, the analysis found, and the most common symptoms are chest pain, shortness of breath, and the sensation of having a rapid heartbeat, a fluttering, or pounding heart. Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 2 July 2021 These butterflies require a 12-foot swath of fresh corduroy for their fluttering. Sundog, Outside Online, 3 Apr. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fluttering.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fluttering was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near fluttering

Cite this Entry

“Fluttering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluttering. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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