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

Under a blazing sun, the green sea turtle thwapped the surface of the San Gabriel River with her sole front flipper as aquarium staffers gripped her shell.

From Los Angeles Times

This provides a distinction from unauthorized watch flippers and is helping Rolex slowly gain control over how its products are resold.

From The Wall Street Journal

She dragged her huge body up above the reach of the highest tide and started scooping out sand with her strong front flippers.

From Literature

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

From BBC

Slowly it moved its flippers like the oars of a rowboat, turning toward Renata and bobbing its head as if in greeting as it went past.

From Literature

Related Words

• branch
• rod
• wing