flutter
gb/flˈʌtɚ/ us/flˈʌtɚ/
B2
English
~ 8700
libeg, lobog, rebegtet, hevesen dobog, megdobban, rendetlenül ver, libbenés, rebbenés, szívdobogás, bizsergés, izgalom, felbolydulás, izgatott sürgés-forgás, sürög-forog, idegesen téblábol, tüsténkedik, kis tétű fogadás, berezeg, pitvarlebegése van
VERB
B2
1
Usage pattern:
[something] flutters in the [place/condition]
Colorful flags fluttered above the stadium in the evening breeze.
Színes zászlók lobogtak a stadion fölött az esti szellőben.
A small bird fluttered its wings and hopped onto the branch.
Egy kismadár megrebegtette a szárnyait, és felugrott az ágra.
The curtains fluttered softly as she opened the window.
Autumn leaves fluttered to the ground around our feet.
Her dress fluttered around her legs as she ran for the bus.
Learner examples
The little bird fluttered its wings.
A kismadár megrebegtette a szárnyait.
The white curtains fluttered in the wind.
A fehér függönyök libegtek a szélben.
Yellow leaves fluttered down from the tree.
A red flag fluttered over the building.
Butterflies fluttered around the flowers.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "flutter" with "flatter." "Flutter" is about movement, while "flatter" means to praise someone, often too much. Some also use "shake" when "flutter" is better; "shake" is usually stronger and less light than "flutter."
Meaning
Move lightly with quick movements
Collocations
wings flutter
|flag flutter
|curtains flutter
|leaves flutter
|butterflies flutter
|fluttering wings
Synonyms
flap (Suggests stronger, more forceful movement, especially of wings, while "flutter" is lighter and quicker.)
Antonyms
still (Describes something that is not moving at all, the opposite of the light movement in "flutter".)
Themes
nature
|movement
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To move, or make something move, quickly and lightly again and again, like wings or a flag in the wind.
To move, or cause something to move, with light, quick, irregular movements, especially in the air, like wings, fabric, or leaves in a breeze.
VERB
B2
2
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s heart flutters
Her heart fluttered when she saw his name on the screen.
Megobbant a szíve, amikor meglátta a nevét a képernyőn.
I felt my heart flutter for a moment and then return to normal.
Egy pillanatra úgy éreztem, hogy rendetlenül ver a szívem, aztán visszatért a normális ritmusba.
The sudden noise made his heart flutter with shock.
Thinking about the interview sent a little flutter through her chest.
If your heart often flutters, you should talk to a doctor.
Learner examples
My heart fluttered when I kissed her.
Nagyot dobbant a szívem, amikor megcsókoltam.
His heart fluttered as he walked onto the stage.
Hevesen dobogott a szíve, amikor fellépett a színpadra.
The scary movie made my heart flutter.
I felt my heart flutter for a second, then it was fine.
Her smile always makes my heart flutter.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say "my heart is flutter" instead of "my heart is fluttering" or "my heart fluttered." Remember to use the -ing form for a current feeling and the past form for something that already happened.
Meaning
Heart beats quickly and lightly
Collocations
heart flutter
|stomach flutter
|flutter in my chest
|makes my heart flutter
Synonyms
palpitate (A more formal or medical word for a fast, irregular heartbeat; "flutter" is more everyday and emotional.)
Antonyms
steady (Describes a calm, regular heartbeat, the opposite of the quick, irregular feeling in "flutter.")
Themes
health
|emotions
|body
Definition
To feel your heart or chest move quickly and lightly, often because you are excited, afraid, or nervous.
Of the heart or a similar internal sensation: to beat or feel as if beating quickly, lightly, or irregularly, especially because of strong emotion or briefly disturbed rhythm.
NOUN
C1
3
Usage pattern:
a flutter of [wings/fabric/leaves]
With a sudden flutter of wings, the pigeons rose into the air.
Hirtelen szárnyrebbenéssel a galambok a levegőbe emelkedtek.
A gentle flutter of the curtains showed that the window was open.
A függönyök finom libbenése jelezte, hogy nyitva van az ablak.
There was a soft flutter of leaves outside the bedroom window.
I heard the faint flutter of a bird trapped in the chimney.
The butterfly’s bright wings gave a tiny flutter and then were still.
Learner examples
We heard a flutter of wings in the dark room.
Szárnyak rebbenését hallottuk a sötét szobában.
There was a small flutter of the white curtains.
A fehér függönyök finoman meglibbentek.
A light flutter of leaves came from the trees.
With one quick flutter, the bird left the branch.
The only sound was the soft flutter of paper.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "a flutter" to describe large or heavy movement, where words like "wave" or "shake" are more natural. Use "flutter" for light, quick motion.
Meaning
Light, quick, irregular movement
Collocations
a flutter of wings
|in one quick flutter
|with a flutter
|the flutter of curtains
Synonyms
flap (Refers to one or more strong movements, while "flutter" suggests lighter, softer motion.)
Antonyms
stillness (A complete lack of movement, the opposite of the light motion in a "flutter.")
Themes
nature
|movement
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A small, fast, light movement, like the movement of wings or cloth in the wind.
A light, quick, irregular movement, especially of wings, fabric, or leaves moving in the air.
NOUN
C1
4
szívdobogás
B1
bizsergés
B2
Usage pattern:
a flutter in [someone]'s [chest/stomach]
I felt a strange flutter in my chest and decided to sit down.
Furcsa szívdobogást éreztem a mellkasomban, ezért úgy döntöttem, leülök.
Her words sent a little flutter through his stomach.
A szavaitól enyhe bizsergést érzett a gyomrában.
The doctor asked if I ever noticed a flutter in my heartbeat.
Every time the phone rang, there was a flutter in my chest.
He tried to ignore the flutter of nerves in his stomach.
Learner examples
I felt a small flutter in my chest.
Enyhe szívdobogást éreztem a mellkasomban.
When I saw my exam score, I had a flutter in my stomach.
Amikor megláttam a vizsgaeredményemet, furcsa bizsergést éreztem a gyomromban.
The loud noise gave me a little flutter inside.
She noticed a quick flutter in her heart.
Thinking of the trip gave me a happy flutter.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say "I had a flutter on my chest" instead of "in my chest." Use the preposition "in" for this internal feeling.
Meaning
Brief light feeling in chest
Collocations
a flutter in my chest
|a little flutter
|a slight flutter
|feel a flutter
Synonyms
twinge ("Twinge" often suggests a small pain, while "flutter" is more about a light, moving feeling.)
Antonyms
calm (Describes a quiet, steady feeling in the body, the opposite of the light, jumpy feeling of a "flutter.")
Themes
health
|emotions
|body
Definition
A short, light feeling in your chest or stomach, often when you are excited, afraid, or nervous.
A brief, light, irregular feeling in the chest or stomach, often caused by emotion, nerves, or a minor heart rhythm change.
NOUN
C1
5
Usage pattern:
in a (bit of a) flutter
The office was in a flutter before the big presentation.
Nagy volt az izgalom az irodában a nagy prezentáció előtt.
News of the surprise visit sent the department into a flutter.
A meglepetésszerű látogatás híre felbolydította az egész részleget.
She arrived in a flutter, talking quickly and dropping her keys.
His sudden resignation caused quite a flutter among the staff.
Everyone was in a bit of a flutter about the wedding plans.
Learner examples
The school was in a flutter before the exam.
Nagy izgalom volt az iskolában a vizsga előtt.
My mother was in a flutter when the guests arrived early.
Anyám izgatottan sürgött-forgott, amikor a vendégek korábban érkeztek.
His message put her in a little flutter.
The news caused a flutter at the office.
I get in a flutter before job interviews.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes mix up "flutter" and "flatter" in this emotional sense. "In a flutter" means nervous and excited; "to flatter" means to praise someone too much.
Meaning
Nervous or excited emotional state
Collocations
in a flutter
|all in a flutter
|cause a flutter
|get in a flutter
Synonyms
fluster (Very close in meaning, but "flutter" is often a little lighter and sometimes more playful.)
Antonyms
composure (Calm self-control and clear thinking, the opposite of the nervous confusion of a "flutter.")
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|daily_life
Definition
A feeling of being nervous and excited at the same time, so that you cannot stay calm or think clearly.
A state of being nervously excited, confused, or slightly upset, often with quick, busy actions or talk.
VERB
C1
6
Usage pattern:
[someone] flutters around [a place/person]
She fluttered around the kitchen, checking the food every few minutes.
A konyhában sürgött-forgott, és pár percenként ellenőrizte az ételt.
The assistant fluttered about nervously as the guests began to arrive.
Az asszisztens idegesen sürgött-forgott, ahogy a vendégek érkezni kezdtek.
He spent the morning fluttering from room to room, unable to settle.
Waiters fluttered around the table, refilling glasses and clearing plates.
Parents fluttered around the school hall before the ceremony started.
Learner examples
My aunt fluttered around the house before the party.
A nagynéném a buli előtt sürgött-forgott a házban.
The teacher fluttered around the classroom, helping students.
A tanár sürgött-forgott az osztályteremben, és segített a diákoknak.
He fluttered about nervously while he waited for the call.
She fluttered from desk to desk, asking questions.
They fluttered around the guests, offering drinks.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes write "flutter around of the kitchen" or similar. Use "flutter around" followed directly by a place or person, without "of."
Meaning
Move about in a nervous fuss
Collocations
flutter around the kitchen
|flutter about nervously
|flutter around the guests
|flutter from room to room
Synonyms
fuss (Emphasizes unnecessary worry and activity; "flutter" adds a sense of light, quick movement.)
Antonyms
compose oneself (Means to become calm and controlled, the opposite of moving about in a nervous flutter.)
Themes
daily life
|emotions
|daily_life
Definition
To move around quickly because you are nervous or busy, doing many small things and not staying calm.
To move around quickly and lightly in a nervous, excited, or fussing way, often doing small tasks without much calm or focus.
NOUN
C1
INFORMAL
7
Usage pattern:
have a flutter (on [something])
I like to have a flutter on the Grand National each year.
Szeretek minden évben egy kis tétű fogadást kötni a Grand Nationalre.
He put a small flutter on the underdog and actually won.
Kis tétben fogadott az esélytelenebbre, és tényleg nyert.
Fancy a little flutter on tonight’s match?
She only has a flutter on the horses when she goes with friends.
It was just a harmless flutter, but he still felt guilty when he lost.
Learner examples
He had a small flutter on the race.
Kis tétben fogadott a versenyre.
My dad has a flutter on football games sometimes.
Apám néha kis tétben fogad focimeccsekre.
We decided to have a flutter on the final match.
She enjoys a little flutter on the horses once a year.
I lost my flutter, but it was only a few pounds.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think "flutter" here means feeling or movement. In British English, "a flutter" with money usually means a small, casual bet.
Meaning
Small informal bet or gamble
Collocations
have a flutter
|a little flutter
|a flutter on the horses
|a flutter on the game
Synonyms
punt (British informal word for a bet; "flutter" often suggests the bet is small and mainly for fun.)
Antonyms
save (To keep money instead of risking it, the opposite of using it for a bet.)
Themes
money
|leisure
|finance
|daily_life
Definition
A small, fun amount of money that you bet on a race, game, or other event.
Chiefly British informal: a small, usually casual bet on a race, game, or other event.
VERB
C2
TECHNICAL
8
berezeg
B2
Usage pattern:
[structure/organ] flutters
Engineers studied how the wing might flutter at high speeds.
A mérnökök azt vizsgálták, hogyan rezeghet be a szárny nagy sebességnél.
The scan showed an atrial flutter that needed treatment.
A vizsgálat kezelést igénylő pitvarlebegést mutatott ki.
The panel began to flutter dangerously as the airflow increased.
Learner examples
Doctors can see if a patient’s heart flutters on a test.
Az orvosok egy vizsgálaton látják, ha a betegnek pitvarlebegése van.
The metal plate may flutter when the wind is strong.
Az erős szélben berezeghet a fémlemez.
Engineers try to stop airplane wings from fluttering.
The report said there was a risk of wing flutter.
Atrial flutter is a problem with heart rhythm.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this technical use with the everyday light, pretty movement of wings. In technical texts, "flutter" often suggests a dangerous or unwanted vibration.
Meaning
Vibrate rapidly and irregularly (technical)
Collocations
atrial flutter
|valve flutter
|wing flutter
|flutter analysis
Synonyms
vibrate (A more general technical term; "flutter" often implies irregular, sometimes unstable vibration.)
Antonyms
stabilize (To become steady and stop irregular vibration, the opposite of continued flutter.)
Themes
science
|health
|technology
Definition
In technical English, to move or shake very fast and irregularly, like a part of a machine or the heart in some medical problems.
In technical or scientific contexts: to vibrate rapidly and often irregularly, especially of structures in airflow or of certain heart rhythms.
Grammar
Dictionary form
flutter
IPA
GB/flˈʌtɚ/
US/flˈʌtɚ/
Syllables & stress
flut - ter (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (flut)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: flutter
- Plural: flutter, flutters
Verb
- Base: flutter
- 3rd Person Singular: flutters
- Present Participle: fluttering
- Past: fluttered
Word family
Forms
flutters
noun
fluttering
verb
fluttered
verb
Related words
fluttery
adjective
aflutter
adjective
Expressions
all of a flutter
1/ˈɔl əv ə flˈʌtɚ/
idiom
Very nervous and excited
Very nervous and excited at the same time, often about something that is going to happen.
Examples
- She was all of a flutter before her first date.
- The fans were all of a flutter waiting for the band to come on stage.
- I get all of a flutter when I have to speak in public.
cause a flutter
1/kˈɔz ə flˈʌtɚ/
fixed phrase
Create nervous or excited interest
To make people suddenly feel interested, surprised, or slightly nervous and excited.
Examples
- The announcement caused a flutter in the media.
- His unexpected visit caused quite a flutter at the office.
- The rumors caused a flutter among investors.
flutter your eyelashes
1/flˈʌtɚ jˈʊɹ ˈaɪlˌæʃɪz/
idiom
Move eyelashes to charm someone
To move your eyelashes up and down quickly in a cute or playful way to get attention or make someone like you.
Examples
- She just fluttered her eyelashes and asked for another chance.
- He fluttered his eyelashes at the camera, making everyone laugh.
- You can’t just flutter your eyelashes and expect to get what you want.
give someone the flutters
1/ɡˈɪv sˈʌmwˌʌn ðə flˈʌtɚz/
idiom
informal
Make someone feel nervous inside
To make someone feel a light, nervous, excited feeling in their chest or stomach.
Examples
- Public speaking always gives me the flutters.
- The thought of meeting his parents gave her the flutters.
- Flying still gives him the flutters, even after many trips.
have a flutter
1/hˈæv ə flˈʌtɚ/
idiom
informal
Place a small casual bet
To make a small, casual bet on a race, game, or event, usually for fun.
Examples
- I like to have a flutter on the lottery now and then.
- He had a flutter on the horses and won enough to pay for dinner.
- We decided to have a flutter on the final just for fun.
in a flutter
1/ˈɪn ə flˈʌtɚ/
fixed phrase
Feeling nervous and excited
Feeling nervous and excited so that you cannot stay calm or think clearly.
Examples
- Everyone was in a flutter before the results were announced.
- She was in a flutter when she realized she was late for the interview.
- The whole house was in a flutter as they prepared for the party.
set hearts aflutter
1/sˈɛt hˈɑɹts əflˈʌtɚ/
idiom
literary
Cause romantic excitement in people
To make people feel excited in a romantic or emotional way.
Examples
- The young actor’s smile set hearts aflutter across the country.
- Her new song has set hearts aflutter among fans.
- He knew his arrival would set hearts aflutter at the office.