verb / noun

flutter

FLUT-er/ˈflʌtər/

A rapid, light, irregular beating motion.

The light silk ribbon flutters in the breeze beside the twig.

A light silk ribbon tied to a single twig flutters in an irregular breeze; alternating folds and two subtle motion strokes, natural flexible material, no birds or butterflies.

Etymology

flutterOld Englishto flutter, float to and fro

Floterian was a repeated-action form of the verb meaning “float.” Its uses for birds and things tossed by waves connect floating to and fro with today's quick, irregular motion.

In context

Arlington Community Media Inc.7:12

many other butterflies dance and flutter all around the butterfly children stop to rest on the soft white flowers

Stories and Art for Kids: The Fairy Houses at Spy Pond

More examples

The bird takes off with a flutter of wings.
Her eyelids fluttered as she began to wake.
The curtains are fluttering beside the open window.

Forms

flutter · flutters · fluttered · fluttering

Similar words

flap: Suggests broader, stronger strokes rather than light, irregular movements.
quiver: Emphasizes slight trembling rather than a light beating motion.