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

Equipped with a snorkel and flippers, the two-time cancer survivor, from Bath, previously hung up his flippers in 2023, but said the "bog bug" brought him back.

From BBC

Signs of leptospirosis in sea lions include tightly tucked front flippers, severe lethargy and the animals drinking water.

From Los Angeles Times

Diving in a kelp forest in Monterey Bay recently, I watched a tubby 200-pound harbor seal follow a fellow diver, nibbling on his flippers.

From Los Angeles Times

For now though, the string of little desert towns are happy the Airbnb flippers have taken a beating and longer-term visions for local culture are taking root.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Williams said scuba tanks and flippers were the most common finds but the rarest discovery yet was the first Lego shark ever reported.

From BBC

Related Words

• branch 
• rod 
• wing