flipper

American  

[flip-er] / ˈflɪp ər /

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.

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flipper British  

/ 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

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flipper Scientific  

/ flĭp′ər /

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

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Etymology

Origin of flipper

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

Example Sentences

Before her, there was Porkchop, who was also rescued from the San Gabriel River with similar front flipper injuries.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

She ultimately had to have her flipper amputated, according to Jaros.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

"I picked it up and thought I saw a movement in one flipper, so I carried it back to the campsite".

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

Plus, the tail makes a handy beaver-burger flipper.

From Slate • Feb. 14, 2025

And he held out his flipper and shook hands limply with them both.

From "Mary Poppins" by P. L. Travers

Related Words

• branch
• rod
• wing