flutter

/ˈflə-tər/

Middle English floteren to float, flutter, from Old English floterian, frequentative of flotian to float; akin to Old English flēotan to float

verb

  1. to flap the wings rapidly

  2. to move with quick wavering or flapping motions

  3. to vibrate in irregular spasms

butterflies fluttering among the flowers

noun

  1. an act of fluttering

  2. a state of nervous confusion or excitement

  3. flurry, commotion

noun

  1. an alternating whipping motion of the legs used in various swimming styles (such as the crawl)