flicker
1[ flik-er ]
/ ˈflɪk ər /
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verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
to cause to flicker.
noun
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Origin of flicker
1before 1000; Middle English flikeren (v.) Old English flicorian to flutter; cognate with Dutch flikkeren
OTHER WORDS FROM flicker
flick·er·ing·ly, adverbflick·er·y, adjectiveun·flick·er·ing, adjectiveun·flick·er·ing·ly, adverbOther definitions for flicker (2 of 2)
flicker2
[ flik-er ]
/ ˈflɪk ər /
noun
any of several American woodpeckers of the genus Colaptes, having the underside of the wings and tail brightly marked with yellow or red and noted for taking insects from the ground as well as trees.
Origin of flicker
2An Americanism dating back to 1800–10; said to be imitative of the bird's note
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use flicker in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for flicker (1 of 2)
flicker1
/ (ˈflɪkə) /
verb
(intr) to shine with an unsteady or intermittent lighta candle flickers
(intr) to move quickly to and fro; quiver, flutter, or vibrate
(tr) to cause to flicker
noun
Derived forms of flicker
flickeringly, adverbflickery, adjectiveWord Origin for flicker
Old English flicorian; related to Dutch flikkeren, Old Norse flökra to flutter
British Dictionary definitions for flicker (2 of 2)
flicker2
/ (ˈflɪkə) /
noun
any North American woodpecker of the genus Colaptes, esp C. auratus (yellow-shafted flicker), which has a yellow undersurface to the wings and tail
Word Origin for flicker
C19: perhaps imitative of the bird's call
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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