flutterboard: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Specialized
Quick answer
What does “flutterboard” mean?
A buoyant board used to support a swimmer, especially a beginner, in the water.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A buoyant board used to support a swimmer, especially a beginner, in the water.
A flat, typically rectangular, foam or plastic float used as an aid for learning to swim, practicing strokes, or performing aquatic exercises. It is held with the hands to keep the upper body afloat while the legs kick.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'flutterboard' is common in British English and Commonwealth countries (e.g., Australia, Canada). In American English, the synonymous term 'kickboard' is overwhelmingly preferred.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation; both terms are purely functional. 'Flutterboard' may sound slightly more technical or formal to an American ear.
Frequency
'Flutterboard' is very rare in American English. 'Kickboard' is the standard term in US swimming pools, gyms, and retail.
Grammar
How to Use “flutterboard” in a Sentence
[Subject] uses a flutterboard to [verb] (e.g., practice kicking).The instructor handed her a flutterboard.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flutterboard” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The children were asked to flutterboard across the width of the pool.
- She flutterboards every Tuesday as part of her rehab.
American English
- Not used as a verb in American English; 'kickboard' is not verbed either.
adjective
British English
- The flutterboard drill improved her leg strength.
- He attended a flutterboard session.
American English
- Not used adjectivally; 'kickboard' is used attributively (e.g., kickboard drill).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in catalogues for sports equipment or procurement lists for leisure centres.
Academic
Rare. Could appear in sports science papers on swimming pedagogy or biomechanics.
Everyday
Low. Used almost exclusively by swimming instructors, learners, or fitness enthusiasts at a pool.
Technical
High. Standard term in swimming instruction manuals, coaching certifications, and aquatic therapy guidelines in non-US contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flutterboard”
- Confusing it with a 'pull buoy' (which is held between the thighs).
- Using 'flutterboard' in the US where 'kickboard' is expected.
- Spelling as 'fluterboard' or 'fludderboard'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, functionally they are identical pieces of swimming equipment. 'Flutterboard' is the common term in British and Commonwealth English, while 'kickboard' is standard in American English.
Primarily, no. A flutterboard is designed to be held by the hands to support the upper body, freeing the legs to kick. For isolating arm strokes, swimmers typically use a 'pull buoy' held between the legs.
Its main purpose is to assist swimmers, especially beginners, by providing buoyancy. This allows them to practice and strengthen their leg kick without having to coordinate breathing or arm movements, and without the risk of sinking.
Very rarely, and mainly in informal British/Australian contexts (e.g., 'I'm going to flutterboard for a bit'). It is not standard. The equipment is almost exclusively a noun.
A buoyant board used to support a swimmer, especially a beginner, in the water.
Flutterboard is usually technical/specialized in register.
Flutterboard: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflʌtəbɔːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflʌtərbɔːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a butterfly (which flutters) resting on a board in the water. You hold the board to keep your upper body still while your legs flutter kick.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOOL FOR SUPPORT IS A PLATFORM (The board provides a stable, supportive platform for the swimmer).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the term 'flutterboard' most commonly used?