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Flap Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flap

[flæp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

of a bird

A flat, thin piece of material that is attached to something and can be moved up and down or from side to side, especially to control the flow of air or to produce a particular sound.

Synonyms

aerofoil, airfoil, wing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flap

Commonly used in aviation to refer to a movable part of an aircraft wing that can be adjusted to control lift and drag. It can also refer to anything that hangs or is attached loosely.

  • The pilot extended the flaps to reduce speed for landing.
  • She fastened the flap of her backpack.
wing

References the entire appendage on an aircraft that generates lift. It can also describe similar structures on birds, bats, or other flying creatures, as well as metaphorically in various contexts.

  • The bird spread its wings and took flight.
  • The engineers are working on a new wing design for improved efficiency.
aerofoil

Primarily used in British English to describe a structure designed to produce lift when moving through the air; commonly used in academic and technical contexts to discuss aerodynamics.

  • The design of the aerofoil is crucial for the aircraft's performance.
  • Engineers tested different aerofoil shapes in the wind tunnel.
airfoil

Mainly used in American English, similar to 'aerofoil,' to describe a structure that produces lift when moving through the air. Commonly used in engineering and aviation fields.

  • The airfoil's shape helps the plane lift off the ground.
  • NASA is developing advanced airfoils for future aircraft.

Examples of usage

  • The bird's wings have strong flaps for flying.
  • The airplane's flaps help control its speed and direction.
Context #2 | Noun

of clothing

A loose or projecting part of a garment, especially a piece of fabric that is turned back or fixed in place.

Synonyms

fold, lapel, pocket.

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Word Description / Examples
flap

A flat, thin piece of material that is attached to something along one edge, often used to close or cover it. It's commonly found on bags, envelopes, or pockets.

  • The flap on my backpack ripped.
  • Close the envelope by sealing the flap.
fold

To bend something so that one part of it lies flat on top of another part. It often refers to arranging clothes, paper, or other materials neatly.

  • Please fold the laundry.
  • He folded the letter and put it in his pocket.
lapel

The part of a coat or jacket that is folded back on the chest, often seen in formal or business attire.

  • He pinned a flower to his lapel.
  • The lapel of his suit was neatly pressed.
pocket

A small pouch sewn into or onto clothing, used for carrying small items.

  • She put her keys in her pocket.
  • His phone slipped out of his pocket.

Examples of usage

  • The coat had flaps on the pockets.
  • She adjusted the flap of her hat.
Context #3 | Verb

sound

To move up and down or from side to side with a slap or slapping sound.

Synonyms

flail, flutter, wave.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flap

Used when something moves or swings back and forth quickly. Often used for wings or fabric.

  • The flag flapped in the strong wind
  • The bird flapped its wings as it took off
flutter

Used when something moves lightly and quickly, often in short bursts. Typically used for things like wings or leaves.

  • The butterfly's wings fluttered delicately
  • The leaves fluttered in the autumn breeze
wave

Used when something moves back and forth in a sweeping or curving motion, often up and down. Frequently used for hands or flags.

  • He waved goodbye to his friends
  • The spectators waved their flags enthusiastically
flail

Used when something or someone moves or swings wildly and uncontrollably. Often has a negative connotation.

  • He began to flail his arms in panic when he fell into the water
  • The toddler flailed his legs while having a tantrum

Examples of usage

  • The flag flapped in the wind.
  • He flapped his hands in excitement.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Birds flap their wings to achieve lift, which allows them to fly and maneuver in the air.
  • The flapping motion of some sea creatures, like mantas, helps them swim gracefully and effectively.
  • In engineering, 'flap' refers to movable surfaces on aircraft that help control flight, especially during takeoff and landing.

Pop Culture

  • In animated films, characters often flap their arms for comic effect when they pretend to fly or mimic birds.
  • The famous children’s book series ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ includes lovely illustrations of creatures flapping their wings.
  • Music and dance often use a flapping motion for expressive movement, like in some traditional folk dances.

Psychology

  • People often use flapping gestures when they are excited or anxious, a non-verbal way to express inner feelings.
  • The term 'flapping' is sometimes used in behavioral science to describe certain repetitive movements, often seen in autism spectrum disorders.
  • Movement patterns, such as flapping, can provide calming sensations for individuals seeking sensory input.

Nature

  • In the animal kingdom, many insects, like butterflies, flap their wings at high speeds to evade predators.
  • The flap of a cape or flag can be an important signal in nature, attracting mates or warning off rivals.
  • Some mammals, like bats, have specialized flaps of skin that aid their flying abilities.

Origin of 'flap'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'flap' comes from the Old English term 'flæppan' which means to flap or to strike.
  • It has been used since at least the 14th century to describe the movement of wings or other things that move back and forth.
  • The use of ‘flap’ expanded in the early 20th century to describe sounds produced by flying machines.

The word 'flap' originated from Middle English flappe, of imitative origin. It has been used since the 14th century to describe the action of moving or making a slapping sound. Over time, 'flap' has evolved to encompass various meanings related to movement, control, and sound production.

See also: flapjack, flapjacks, flapping, unflappable.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,952 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.