flails; flailed; flailing
1
: to move or swing your arms or legs in a wild and uncontrolled way
They were flailing their arms to drive away the insects.
The wounded animal lay on the ground, flailing helplessly.
He was wildly flailing about/around on the dance floor.
He flailed away at the ball. [=he swung wildly at the ball]
2
: to strike or hit (something or someone) in a wild and uncontrolled way
The bird's wings flailed the water.
plural flails
: a long-handled tool that was used in the past for beating wheat so that the grain would become separated from the wheat
Cite this Entry
“Flail.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/flail. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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