flipper

[flip-er]

noun

1. a broad, flat limb, as of a seal or whale, especially adapted for swimming.

2. Also called fin. one of a pair of paddlelike devices, usually of rubber, worn on the feet as an aid in scuba diving and swimming.

3. Theater.,  a narrow flat hinged or attached at right angles to a larger flat.

4. Slang.,  the hand.

5. someone or something that flips.

flipper

/ ˈflɪpə /

noun

1. the flat broad limb of seals, whales, penguins, and other aquatic animals, specialized for swimming

2. Also called: fin. (often plural) either of a pair of rubber paddle-like devices worn on the feet as an aid in swimming, esp underwater

3. cricket a ball bowled with backspin imparted by the action of the bowler's wrist

flipper

1. A wide, flat limb adapted for swimming, found on aquatic animals such as whales, seals, and sea turtles. Flippers evolved from legs.

Word History and Origins

Origin of flipper¹

First recorded in 1815–25; flip ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Greg also wore tiny flippers that looked like duck feet and a neon bubble attached to his waist to carry our valuables and make us visible to boats.

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The workers found fishing line wrapped around her front flippers and cutting into her mouth.

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Equipped with a snorkel and flippers, the two-time cancer survivor, from Bath, previously hung up his flippers in 2023, but said the "bog bug" brought him back.

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Signs of leptospirosis in sea lions include tightly tucked front flippers, severe lethargy and the animals drinking water.

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Diving in a kelp forest in Monterey Bay recently, I watched a tubby 200-pound harbor seal follow a fellow diver, nibbling on his flippers.

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Related Words

• branch 
• rod 
• wing