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

They raise part of their bodies above the water, open their mouths and move their front flippers in an excited pattern.

Read more on Science Daily

The creature had a small head and long flippers and a large, streamlined shell.

Read more on Literature

Otter flipper tags are designed to last an animal’s lifespan, but research shows they don’t always last so long.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Earlier in 2024, Essex County Council stressed it did not provide swimming equipment after a sign suggesting it would hand out flippers, masks and snorkels appeared at an underpass near the city centre.

Read more on BBC

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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• branch 
• rod 
• wing