flitter

¹ American  

[flit-er] / ˈflɪt ər /

noun

Chiefly South Midland and Southern U.S.

1. a fritter or pancake.

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flitter ² American  

[flit-er] / ˈflɪt ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that flits.

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flitter ³ American  

[flit-er] / ˈflɪt ər /

noun

1. fine metallic fragments, especially as used for ornamentation.

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flitter ⁴ American  

[flit-er] / ˈflɪt ər /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to flutter.

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flitter British  

/ ˈflɪtə /

verb

1. a less common word for flutter

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Etymology

Origin of flitter¹

Apparently by dissimilation from fritter ²

Origin of flitter¹

First recorded in 1535–45; flit + -er ¹

Origin of flitter¹

First recorded in 1840–50; from German; literally, “tinsel, spangle”

Origin of flitter¹

First recorded in 1535–45; flit + -er ⁶

Example Sentences

“If the market is going to flitter around that, that might be a buying opportunity,” as the Fed is loosening monetary policy at a time when the economy seems “pretty solid,” he said.

From MarketWatch

Suddenly, the foliage stops flittering and the chirping that had accompanied it ceases.

From BBC

Fly, who has been flittering around on the outside, moves to come back inside my system chamber.

From Literature

As Francis’ military helicopter landed at the Fatima helipad, nearby wildfires turned the sky smoky black and sent ash flittering down on the crowd.

From Seattle Times

There are times in Nolan’s latest opus that flames fill the frame and visions of subatomic particles flitter across the screen — montages of Oppenheimer’s own churning visions.

From Washington Times