flaps: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to technical. The noun is neutral/common; the verb is neutral; the slang term 'in a flap' is informal.
Quick answer
What does “flaps” mean?
Thin, flat pieces of material attached at one edge that can move freely, often used to cover an opening or to control airflow.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Thin, flat pieces of material attached at one edge that can move freely, often used to cover an opening or to control airflow.
Also refers to the action of moving such pieces up and down or back and forth, or a state of agitation or panic (colloquial).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The colloquial phrase 'to be in a flap' (agitated) is chiefly British. The aviation term is identical. The verb for the motion of wings is used similarly.
Connotations
In British informal use, 'flap' strongly connotes minor panic or disorganised fuss. This connotation is weaker or absent in American English.
Frequency
The colloquial noun use ('don't get in a flap') is significantly more frequent in UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “flaps” in a Sentence
[Subject] + flap + [Object] (The bird flapped its wings)[Subject] + flap + [adverbial] (The flag flapped in the breeze)be in a flap (colloquial)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flaps” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Union Jack flapped noisily on the mast.
- She flapped the tea towel to shoo the fly away.
- Don't flap, the train will be along shortly.
American English
- The flag flapped in the strong wind.
- The goose flapped its wings aggressively.
- He was flapping about, trying to find his keys.
adjective
British English
- The flap valve was stuck.
- He had a flap pocket on his jacket.
American English
- The flap closure on the bag was secure.
- The pilot checked the flap settings.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except metaphorically: 'The market news caused a flap in the trading room.'
Academic
Used in engineering (aviation, fluid dynamics) and biology (e.g., tissue flaps in surgery).
Everyday
Common for describing things like envelope flaps, tent flaps, or a bird's wings.
Technical
Precise term in aviation for high-lift devices on the trailing edge of wings.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flaps”
- Using 'flap' as a countable noun for a single piece: 'a flap' is correct, not 'a flaps'.
- Confusing 'flap' (move freely) with 'flip' (turn over).
- Overusing the British colloquialism 'in a flap' in formal or American contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. As a noun, 'flap' is singular (one flap). 'Flaps' is the plural form (multiple flaps) or the 3rd person singular present tense of the verb (e.g., The bird flaps its wings).
'Flap' suggests a broader, louder, more forceful swinging or beating motion (wings, a flag). 'Flutter' implies a lighter, quicker, more irregular vibration (a leaf, a eyelid, a small flag).
Rarely. The physical action is neutral. The metaphorical use (state of agitation) is negative. A 'flap' (event) causing agitation is also negative.
Yes, 'flaps' is the standard international term in aviation English for the high-lift devices on aircraft wings.
Thin, flat pieces of material attached at one edge that can move freely, often used to cover an opening or to control airflow.
Flaps is usually neutral to technical. the noun is neutral/common; the verb is neutral; the slang term 'in a flap' is informal. in register.
Flaps: in British English it is pronounced /flæps/, and in American English it is pronounced /flæps/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “be in a flap (BrE, informal: to be agitated or panicky)”
- “flap one's gums (AmE, informal: to talk pointlessly)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CAP that has a FLAP at the back. Both words rhyme and share the idea of a covering.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGITATION IS PHYSICAL FLAPPING (e.g., 'Don't flap!' meaning 'Don't panic').
Practice
Quiz
In British informal English, what does 'She was in a bit of a flap' mean?