English Reference

Word

fluttering

Phoneticsflut·ter·ing

US/ˈfɫətɝɪŋ/

UK/flˈʌtəɹɪŋ/

Definition

n. the quick, light movement of something like a bird's wings or a flag in the wind. It can also describe a feeling of excitement or nervousness in your stomach.

n. the rapid, light, and irregular movement of wings or other appendages; also refers to a state of nervous excitement or a light, trembling sensation in the stomach.

Examples

“The fluttering of the butterfly's wings is beautiful to watch.”

“She felt a fluttering in her chest as she waited for the results of the interview.”

“The fluttering of the silk banners in the high wind created a rhythmic sound that echoed through the narrow valley.”

Examples

simple

“The fluttering of the butterfly's wings is beautiful to watch.”

contextual

“She felt a fluttering in her chest as she waited for the results of the interview.”

complex

“The fluttering of the silk banners in the high wind created a rhythmic sound that echoed through the narrow valley.”

Real-World Examples

“They came in small groups, some under military escort, blue and white Israeli flags fluttering from their cars as they passed Palestinian villages and farmlands.”
BBC News · 21 Aug 2026

Word family

flutterVerbflutteringNoun

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/fluttering

English Reference