flitter

¹

[flit-er]

noun

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

flitter

²

[flit-er]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to flutter.

flitter

³

[flit-er]

noun

1. a person or thing that flits.

flitter

⁴

[flit-er]

noun

Chiefly South Midland and Southern U.S.

1. a fritter or pancake.

flitter

/ ˈflɪtə /

verb

1. a less common word for flutter

Word History and Origins

Origin of flitter¹

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

Origin of flitter²

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

Origin of flitter³

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

Origin of flitter⁴

Apparently by dissimilation from fritter ²

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.

Read more on MarketWatch

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

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on 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.

Read more on Washington Times

A flittering nervous energy was planted in my body and would not budge.

Read more on New York Times