Flipper: meaning, definitions and examples

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flipper

[ˈflɪpər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

sea animal

A flipper is a flat, broad limb on marine animals, such as seals, sea lions, and whales, that is used for swimming and steering underwater.

Synonyms

fin, paddle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flipper	This entry is a duplicate; please use the other 'flipper' entry for context and examples.
fin	Typically refers to the flat appendages on fishes and some other aquatic animals that help them steer and balance while swimming. The shark's dorsal fin emerged above the water Fish use their fins to steer and balance as they swim
paddle	Refers to a tool used for rowing boats and canoes, often a long stick with a flat end. She used a paddle to navigate the canoe down the river Paddling can be a relaxing activity on a calm lake

Word

Description / Examples

flipper

This entry is a duplicate; please use the other 'flipper' entry for context and examples.

fin

Typically refers to the flat appendages on fishes and some other aquatic animals that help them steer and balance while swimming.

The shark's dorsal fin emerged above the water
Fish use their fins to steer and balance as they swim

paddle

Refers to a tool used for rowing boats and canoes, often a long stick with a flat end.

She used a paddle to navigate the canoe down the river
Paddling can be a relaxing activity on a calm lake

Examples of usage

The seal used its flipper to glide gracefully through the water.
The whale slapped its flipper against the surface of the ocean.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

footwear

In informal language, flipper can also refer to a type of open-toed sandal with a thong between the big toe and the second toe.

Synonyms

sandal, thong sandal.

Examples of usage

She slipped on her flipper sandals before heading to the beach.
He wore his favorite flipper shoes to the pool party.

Translations

Translations of the word "flipper" in other languages:

🇵🇹 nadadeira

🇮🇳 फ्लिपर

🇩🇪 Flosse

🇮🇩 sirip

🇺🇦 плавник

🇵🇱 płetwa

🇯🇵 ひれ

🇫🇷 nageoire

🇪🇸 aleta

🇹🇷 yüzgeç

🇰🇷 지느러미

🇸🇦 زعانف

🇨🇿 ploutev

🇸🇰 plutva

🇨🇳 鳍

🇸🇮 plavut

🇮🇸 uggi

🇰🇿 қалтқыш

🇬🇪 ფარფლი

🇦🇿 üzgəc

🇲🇽 aleta

Etymology

The term 'flipper' originated in the 16th century, derived from the Middle English word 'flippen', meaning 'to move with a quick jerk'. Over time, it came to be associated with the marine animal limb due to its flapping motion in the water.

See also: flip, flippancy, flippant, flippantly.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,748 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
33745 inflexibly
33746 toothy
33747 brainy
33748 flipper
33749 hogging
33750 felicitations
33751 clownish
...