Flutter
/ˈflʌt.ər/noun
To move or flap lightly and quickly, or to be agitated or excited.
Did you know?Flutter is a sound-symbolic word of uncertain origin, but its modern sense perfectly captures rapid, trembling motion — the kind of word that feels almost like the action itself.
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
English
fluteren
“to flap, toss, or move with quick, light motions”
16th Century
English
flutter
“to move or beat rapidly and irregularly”
Modern English
English
flutter
“to flap lightly, tremble, or feel a quick nervous excitement”
Etymology
Unknown
possibly imitative
“likely formed as a sound-symbolic word echoing rapid, trembling movement”