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Meaning & use

fluttering

verb, noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈflʌtərɪŋ/
US/ˈflʌtərɪŋ/

“fluttering” is a form of “flutter”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. verbintransitive

    Moving with quick, light movements like wings, or making a series of small, rapid movements.

    Grammar: No object; often used with 'in', 'on', or 'around'. The base form is 'flutter'.

    Patterns

    • flutter in the wind
    • flutter around something

    The butterfly was fluttering from flower to flower.

    Leaves were fluttering down from the trees in the autumn breeze.

    Her eyelashes fluttered as she tried to stay awake.

  2. nouncountable

    A light, quick movement or a feeling of nervous excitement in the chest.

    Grammar: Countable; can be used with 'a' or in the plural 'flutterings'.

    Patterns

    • a fluttering of wings
    • a fluttering in the chest

    I felt a fluttering in my stomach before the interview.

    The fluttering of the curtains told me the window was open.

Word forms

base formflutter
third person singularflutters
past tensefluttered
past participlefluttered
present participlefluttering
pluralflutterings

Common combinations

fluttering in the wind
The flag was fluttering in the wind.
fluttering around
Birds were fluttering around the feeder.
a fluttering feeling
She had a fluttering feeling in her heart.
fluttering eyelashes
He noticed her fluttering eyelashes.

Synonyms and how they differ

flapping
Suggests larger, more vigorous movements, like a bird's wings or a flag in strong wind; 'fluttering' is lighter and more delicate.
quivering
Emphasizes a shaking or trembling motion, often from fear or cold; 'fluttering' is more about quick, light movements.
wavering
Means moving unsteadily or becoming weaker; 'fluttering' is more rapid and repetitive.

Word family

flutter verb
To move with quick, light movements.
fluttery adjective
Feeling or looking nervous and excited, like a flutter.

Commonly confused: fluttering or flattering?

fluttering vs flattering

Means praising someone insincerely or making them look better; 'fluttering' is about light movement. They sound similar but have different meanings.

Practice

Choose the correct word: The moth was ___ around the lamp.

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