flitter

¹

[ flit-er ]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to flutter.

flitter

²

[ flit-er ]

noun

1. a person or thing that flits.

flitter

³

[ flit-er ]

noun

1. fine metallic fragments, especially as used for ornamentation.

flitter

⁴

[ flit-er ]

noun

, Chiefly South Midland and Southern U.S.

1. a fritter or pancake.

flitter

/ ˈflɪtə /

verb

1. a less common word for flutter

Word History and Origins

Origin of flitter¹

First recorded in 1535–45; flit + -er ⁶

Origin of flitter²

First recorded in 1535–45; flit + -er ¹

Origin of flitter³

First recorded in 1840–50; from German; literally, “tinsel, spangle”

Origin of flitter⁴

Apparently by dissimilation from fritter ²

Example Sentences

Suddenly, the foliage stops flittering and the chirping that had accompanied it ceases.

From BBC

Fly, who has been flittering around on the outside, moves to come back inside my system chamber.

From Literature

As Francis’ military helicopter landed at the Fatima helipad, nearby wildfires turned the sky smoky black and sent ash flittering down on the crowd.

From Seattle Times

There are times in Nolan’s latest opus that flames fill the frame and visions of subatomic particles flitter across the screen — montages of Oppenheimer’s own churning visions.

From Washington Times

A flittering nervous energy was planted in my body and would not budge.

From New York Times