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

To replicate the columnar formations of birds, in which they line up one directly behind the other, the researchers created mechanized flappers that act like birds' wings.

From Science Daily

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

From Seattle Times

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

Times columns focuses on men and women and their struggles during the early flapper era.

From Los Angeles Times

Substitute today’s opposition to drag shows for the Klan’s campaign against changing morals and uncorseted flappers and you have another haunt of history.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• branch
• rod
• wing