flutter
/ˈflʌtə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈflʌtər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈflə-tər/ (ame, mw) · /ˈflʌt.ər/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈflʌt̬.ɚ/ (ame, ipa)
flutter — verb
- flutterpresent simple I / you / we / they
- fluttershe / she / it
- flutteredpast simple
- fluttering-ing form
1. to shift back and forth in quick, delicate motions, or to set something moving l
to shift back and forth in quick, delicate motions, or to set something moving like that.
A yellow butterfly fluttered above the lavender beside the gate.
flutter above + place
Hugo's note fluttered to the floor when the fan turned on.
Paloma fluttered the paper flags along the porch before the party.
Two white curtains fluttered in the kitchen window all afternoon.
文法句型
flutter above/through + place
flutter + wings/curtains/flags
flutter something in the wind
用法筆記
Often describes wings, cloth, paper, eyelashes, or fingers moving lightly and quickly. When used transitively, it means causing something thin or light to move in the air.
常見錯誤
2. when excitement or worry affects your chest or belly, you feel a light, uneven b
when excitement or worry affects your chest or belly, you feel a light, uneven beating inside.
Sari's stomach fluttered as the interview panel opened the door.
stomach fluttered as + event
Gabriel felt his heart flutter before he stepped onto the stage.
feel your heart flutter
At the airport gate, my chest fluttered when the announcement changed.
The little boy's stomach fluttered while the nurse cleaned his cut.
文法句型
heart/stomach flutter
feel your heart flutter
flutter with excitement or nerves
用法筆記
Used for quick nervous movement inside the body, especially in the heart or stomach. Distinguish this sense from verb/1, which is about visible light movement such as wings or cloth.
常見錯誤
flutter — noun
- fluttersingular
- fluttersplural
1. a brief spell of lively, excited activity or feeling.
a brief spell of lively, excited activity or feeling.
There was a flutter of excitement when the singer walked into the hall.
a flutter of excitement
A flutter of phone calls followed the school principal's sudden resignation.
a flutter of + noun
For ten minutes, the market was in a flutter after the surprise price cut.
A flutter of movement filled the corridor when the fire drill bell rang.
- calm
suggests the activity or excitement has settled
文法句型
a flutter of + noun
be in a flutter
用法筆記
Usually appears in phrases such as a flutter of excitement or be in a flutter. It suggests a short lively burst, not long-lasting disorder.
常見錯誤
2. a small amount of money that someone risks on a race or another uncertain result
a small amount of money that someone risks on a race or another uncertain result.
Christopher put a flutter on the grey horse before lunch.
put a flutter on + horse
My uncle has a small flutter on the Cup every spring.
have a flutter
Outside the track, two friends picked one horse for a weekend flutter.
Yan lost his Friday flutter but still enjoyed the race.
文法句型
have a flutter
put a flutter on + horse/race
用法筆記
Mainly British and informal, often used for horse racing or casual sports bets. It usually suggests a small amount rather than serious gambling.
常見錯誤
3. a fast, light movement up and down or back and forth.
a fast, light movement up and down or back and forth.
There was one flutter of the trapped bird's wings before the bird settled.
one flutter of + noun
The candle flame gave a brief flutter when the door opened.
give a flutter
One flutter of Chiara's hand sent glitter across the wet paint.
The baby's eyelids showed a tiny flutter before the baby woke up.
- stillness
suggests no visible movement at all
文法句型
a flutter of + wings/eyelids
give a flutter
用法筆記
Often used for one small movement of wings, a flame, a hand, or eyelids. Distinguish this sense from noun/1, which is a short burst of activity or excitement among people.