Flipper

A flipper is a broad, flat limb used for swimming by aquatic animals, such as seals, whales, and penguins. It can also refer to a device worn on the feet to aid in swimming or diving, typically made of rubber or plastic. Figuratively, it can describe a person or thing that moves or acts in a flapping or erratic manner. Further, it sometimes describes a device in a pinball machine that hits the ball. The term highlights the movement involved, whether natural or artificial, and their primary use for propulsion in water. Flippers are crucial for marine animals as they enable efficient movement and allow them to navigate and hunt underwater.

Flipper meaning with examples

• The seal used its powerful **flippers** to propel itself through the icy water, effortlessly gliding after its prey. This demonstrates the natural flipper's use as a primary means of locomotion in an aquatic animal, showing its essential role in hunting and survival.
• She strapped on her scuba gear, including the large rubber **flippers**, and plunged into the coral reef, ready to explore the vibrant underwater world. These flippers assist humans to swim faster and more powerfully, making the water a place of excitement.
• The stressed-out goose flapped its wings and **flippered** around on the ground in panic, making it almost seem as if it was a dance move. This usage illustrates the figurative use of flippers as a description for movement patterns.
• After the ball landed in the center lane, the player quickly used the **flippers** of the pinball machine to shoot the ball towards the bumpers. Here the term refers to the mechanical device within a pinball machine designed to hit the ball.
• The penguin's **flippers**, though seemingly small, proved remarkably adept at both steering and propelling the bird through the waves while it was hunting for fish. This demonstrates an accurate movement to catch its prey.