flap
Translation
to flap, to flutter, to wave
Examples
The bird began to flap its wings.
The bird began to flap its wings.
The flag flapped in the wind.
The flag flapped in the wind.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to move (sth.) up and down The bird flapped its wings.
((intransitive)) to move back and forth The flag flapped in the breeze.
Similar Words
Synonyms: flutter, wave, beat
Etymology
Onomatopoeic, imitating the sound of a quick, flat strike.
Memory Tips
The word 'flap' sounds like the action it describes – a quick, flat sound of a flag or wings.