flipper

[ flip-er ]

noun

1. a broad, flat limb, as of a seal or whale, especially adapted for swimming.
2. Also called fin. one of a pair of paddlelike devices, usually of rubber, worn on the feet as an aid in scuba diving and swimming.
3. Theater. a narrow flat hinged or attached at right angles to a larger flat.
4. Slang. the hand.
5. someone or something that flips.

flipper

/ ˈflɪpə /

noun

1. the flat broad limb of seals, whales, penguins, and other aquatic animals, specialized for swimming
2. Also calledfin often plural either of a pair of rubber paddle-like devices worn on the feet as an aid in swimming, esp underwater
3. cricket a ball bowled with backspin imparted by the action of the bowler's wrist

flipper

/ flĭp′ər /

1. A wide, flat limb adapted for swimming, found on aquatic animals such as whales, seals, and sea turtles. Flippers evolved from legs.

Word History and Origins

Origin of flipper¹

First recorded in 1815–25; flip ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The development of a claw or a flipper requires many particular different genes.

From Salon

By phenotype, Sackton means the actual expression of that trait, like having flippers or engaging in gaze following, as opposed to its genotype, meaning the genetic makeup that results in that trait.

From Salon

She was always more of a flipper than a twister, and Dennis sometimes landed on her neck from over-rotating her warm-up drills.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead of flippers, a robot has an electrode on each corner.

From Science Magazine

Ariel, who was named for “The Little Mermaid” character because the additional appendage with two paws on the end looked a flipper, ran through the grass Saturday as she adjusted to life on four legs.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• branch
• rod
• wing