flapping
n. uncountable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈfɫæpɪŋ// UK //flˈæpɪŋ// flap·ping
n. the quick up-and-down movement of wings or something thin and flat. It can also describe the sound made by this movement.
n. the act or sound of moving wings or a flat object rapidly up and down. Often refers to the motion of birds in flight or fabric caught in the wind.
The sudden flapping of wings startled the cat.
The constant flapping of the loose tent cover made it difficult for the campers to sleep through the night.
The rhythmic flapping of the ship's sails against the mast provided a steady acoustic backdrop to the captain's morning observations.
Usage
Often appears in the phrase 'flapping of' followed by a noun like wings, sails, or flags.