flail
noun
an instrument for threshing grain, consisting of a staff or handle with a freely swinging stick or bar attached to one end of it.
flailed
-
past participleof flail.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof flail.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
flailnounan instrument for threshing grain, consisting of a staff or handle with a freely swinging stick or bar attached to one end of it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The new storefronts have especially been a boon for malls, which flailed after the rise of online shopping.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026
As time passed and no government help appeared, del Giudice became exasperated and flailed at the rubble.
From Barron's ● Jun. 26, 2026
They attacked the game, while Rangers flailed wildly.
From BBC ● Sep. 25, 2025
But throughout the 2025 Emmys telecast, the nice guy comic flailed in the deep end of a flop sweat pool.
From Salon ● Sep. 15, 2025
Her hands flailed at the air to steady herself.
From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin
