flapper

[ flap-er ]

noun

1. something broad and flat used for striking or for making a noise by striking.
2. a broad, flat, hinged or hanging piece; flap.
3. a young woman, especially one who, during the 1920s, behaved and dressed in a boldly unconventional manner.
4. a young bird just learning to fly.
5. Slang. the hand.

flapper

/ ˈflæpə /

noun

1. a person or thing that flaps
2. (in the 1920s) a young woman, esp one flaunting her unconventional dress and behaviour

Other Words From

• flapper·dom noun
• flapper·ish adjective
• flapper·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of flapper¹

First recorded in 1560–70; flap + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Clara Bow The silent era actor who popularized the term “It Girl,” she epitomized the free-spirited “flapper” of the era, and later became a cautionary example for how the entertainment industry chews up talented and beautiful young women.

From Los Angeles Times

Underneath, dresses of scalloped sequins and draped fringe recall flapper looks with contemporary discipline.

From Seattle Times

Even in the 1920s, there were high-profile flapper divorces and, everybody's like, oh my God, society is crumbling.

From Salon

The team made two robots: a large flapper robot modeled after a moth to better understand how the wings worked, which they deployed in water.

From Science Daily

When I explained that I’d performed the food-coloring test and replaced three flapper valves myself, she asked if I’d repeated the test again after my DIY repairs.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• branch
• rod
• wing