# flapping

/ˈfɫæpɪŋ/ (US) · /flˈæpɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/flapping
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

the quick up-and-down movement of wings or something thin and flat. It can also describe the sound made by this movement.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- 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 notes

- Often appears in the phrase 'flapping of' followed by a noun like wings, sails, or flags.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.