Flap

To move or cause to move with a quick, irregular motion, especially with a beating sound, like a bird's wings or a flag in the wind. It can also refer to a flattened, flexible part attached to something that is moved to open or close, or the action of the object using the 'flap'. The word 'flap' can also describe a state of excitement, agitation, or distress. In addition, the word 'flap' can also describe a sudden unexpected event, a slight error or a period of confusion. This can also apply to a 'flap' related to food, or a small flat piece of something, i.e. a flap of skin.

Flap meaning with examples

• The injured bird lay on the ground, its wings *flapping* weakly, trying to take flight. I gently helped it up, however, it failed to take flight. We had to take the bird to a wildlife center where it could recover and get better. It was a sad sight watching the flap of its wings knowing it was in pain and could not fly.
• The awning *flapped* loudly in the strong wind, creating a rhythmic, almost musical sound. When the storm came, the flap on the awning came completely off. The workers had to put it up, but the wind took it with its next gust. The flap came to rest on a nearby building and had to be retrieved the next morning.
• Her nervous heart gave a little flap when she saw him walking toward her. The initial flap settled down when she saw him smile at her and walk right past. This flap she felt was a mixture of excitement and anxiety. She suddenly wished she had combed her hair prior to this.
• The car's hood made a loud flap as it suddenly came loose at high speed on the motorway. I had to pull to the side as fast as I could or there could have been an accident. Fortunately, nothing bad happened, and the only thing I suffered was my nerves. It's amazing how something can flap so vigorously.