Flap
/flæp/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo move or cause to move with quick, irregular motions; especially to move up and down.
/flæp/
To move up and down quickly and repeatedly.
The flag flapped in the strong wind.
💡 Simply: Imagine a bird trying to take off. Its wings go *flap, flap, flap*! That's what it means. Or imagine when you’re nervous, like before a test! The best way to calm down is to take a deep breath. Don’t let the worry or fear make you flap, it’s like when your clothes get loose and flutter about!
👶 For kids: To move something up and down quickly, like a bird's wings or a flag in the wind.
More Examples
The bird flapped its wings and flew away.
She flapped her hands nervously.
How It's Used
"The bird flapped its wings."
"Don't flap! Everything will be okay."
A hinged or movable part, especially on an aircraft wing.
/flæp/
A flat, flexible piece or part.
The plane deployed its flaps before landing.
💡 Simply: Think of a part of something that can move, like the part of an airplane wing that helps it go up or down, or maybe even the covering on a pocket! They help the plane land easier, which is great. You might also be using it when you wear a coat; the extra cloth around your chest could also be called a flap!
👶 For kids: A flat piece that moves or bends, like the part on a bird's wing or the part that closes a pocket.
More Examples
The dog's ears were just loose flaps.
She opened the flap of the envelope.
How It's Used
"The plane's flaps were deployed for landing."
"A skin flap was used in the surgery."
To become agitated or nervous; to panic.
/flæp/
To become excited or agitated.
Don't flap; we'll find a solution.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're about to give a presentation, and suddenly you're feeling super nervous and worried. You start to feel scared and confused. The feeling of being worried or scared is what it means when you're starting to flap!
👶 For kids: To get worried or excited and have a hard time staying calm.
More Examples
She started to flap when she realized she lost her keys.
There's no need to flap over a small mistake.
How It's Used
"Don't flap, everything will be fine."
"She started to flap when she realized she was late."
Idioms & expressions
to flap your gums
To talk a lot, often about unimportant things.
"He was just flapping his gums, not really saying anything important."
From Middle Dutch or Middle Low German *flappen* ('to beat, flutter').
Used since the 14th century, often related to movement like wings or clothing in the wind.
Memory tip
Think of a flag in the wind – it flaps.
Word Origin
"to beat, flutter"