[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/flutter/)

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# flutter

verb (flutter, flutters, fluttered, fluttering); noun (a flutter, flutters)

«flutter» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. To move wings quickly and lightly, or to fly with quick small movements, like a butterfly. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/flutter/#m1)
2. To move gently and quickly back and forth in the air, like a flag or leaves. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/flutter/#m2)
3. (of the heart) To beat fast and unevenly because of excitement or nerves. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/flutter/#m3)
4. (noun, UK informal) A small bet: «have a flutter on the horses». [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/flutter/#m4)
5. (noun) A state of excitement: «in a flutter». [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/flutter/#m5)

### In the lessons

In science and nature stories butterflies, moths and birds flutter. In stories a nervous character's heart flutters. In UK and Irish everyday talk a «flutter» is a small, fun bet on a horse race. Phrases: «flutter about», «flutter your eyelashes», «have a flutter», «in a flutter».

### Examples

- The butterfly fluttered from flower to flower. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/flutter/#x1)
- The flags fluttered in the wind. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/flutter/#x2)
- My heart fluttered when they called my name. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/flutter/#x3)
- Leaves fluttered down to the ground. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/flutter/#x4)
- Grandad has a little flutter on the Grand National. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/flutter/#x5)
- The baby bird fluttered its wings but couldn't fly yet. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/flutter/#x6)
- She was all in a flutter before the show. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/flutter/#x7)
- But the Eagle, uttering a dolorous cry, fluttered his broad wings and disappeared. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/flutter/#x8)

### Note

Regular verb: fluttered. Double t. «A flutter» (bet) is UK/Ireland informal. Similar: flap (bigger, slower), flicker (light), quiver.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «flutter» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/flutter/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«flutter» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/flutter.html) on Mova free.