flounce: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Primarily informal/literary; descriptive, somewhat dated in fashion sense.
Quick answer
What does “flounce” mean?
To move with exaggerated, impatient, or angry motions, often in a way that emphasizes one's displeasure or desire for attention.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To move with exaggerated, impatient, or angry motions, often in a way that emphasizes one's displeasure or desire for attention.
1. (Verb) To move or go with an ostentatious or impatient jerk or bound. 2. (Noun) An exaggerated, often angry or frustrated, movement or departure. 3. (Noun) A strip of decorative gathered or pleated material attached by one edge, typically on a garment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The fashion term is used in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of dramatic, often childish, movement.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, perhaps slightly more common in UK literary descriptions.
Grammar
How to Use “flounce” in a Sentence
[Subject] flounces + adverb/directional particle (out, off, away)[Subject] flounces + into/out of + [Location][Subject] flounces + [Adverbial of manner]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flounce” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- Her exit was a dramatic flounce, all swirling skirts and noise.
- The dress had a lovely flounce at the hem.
- He finished his speech with a flounce of his hand.
American English
- With a final flounce, she turned and left the party.
- The pattern includes instructions for adding a flounce to the sleeve.
- Her flounce of dismissal was caught on camera.
verb
British English
- After the argument, she flounced out of the room, slamming the door.
- He flounced about the stage during his tantrum.
- The teenager flounced off upstairs without a word.
American English
- Mad at the call, she flounced out of the referee's office.
- The actor flounced across the set in a huff.
- Don't just flounce away when we're trying to talk.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Very rare; potentially in informal descriptions of interpersonal conflict (e.g., 'She flounced out of the meeting').
Academic
Rare; might appear in literary analysis or fashion history texts.
Everyday
Descriptive, used for dramatic or childish departures.
Technical
In fashion/sewing: a specific type of fabric trim.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flounce”
- Confusing 'flounce' (dramatic move) with 'flaunt' (show off).
- Using 'flounce' for neutral, calm walking.
- Misspelling as 'flounse'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually negative or humorous when describing movement (implying childishness, petulance). Neutral in the fashion context.
'Bounce' is a physical rebound (like a ball). 'Flounce' is a deliberate, emotional human movement meant to be seen, involving swinging or jerking motions.
Yes. As a verb: 'to flounce out'. As a noun (movement): 'a dramatic flounce'. As a noun (fashion): 'a fabric flounce'.
No, they are homographs. The verb comes from Scandinavian roots related to 'fling'. The fashion noun comes from an alteration of 'frounce' (Old French for 'fold').
To move with exaggerated, impatient, or angry motions, often in a way that emphasizes one's displeasure or desire for attention.
Flounce is usually primarily informal/literary; descriptive, somewhat dated in fashion sense. in register.
Flounce: in British English it is pronounced /flaʊns/, and in American English it is pronounced /flaʊns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Flounce out/off (to leave in a conspicuous show of anger or annoyance)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A person who is ANNOYED might **FLOUNCE** out, sounding like they 'fling' themselves with a 'bounce'.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGER/ANNOYANCE IS A PHYSICAL FORCE PROPELING DRAMATIC MOVEMENT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'flounce' used CORRECTLY?