flapper

noun

flap·​per ˈfla-pər How to pronounce flapper (audio)
1
a
: something used in flapping or striking
b
: one that flaps
2
: a young woman
specifically : a young woman of the period of World War I and the following decade who showed freedom from conventions (as in conduct)

Examples of flapper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Like her mother, Lila Moss was resplendent in a black beaded confection that had an air of flapper—family friend Kim Jones decreed this a trend before bowing out at Fendi—but still looked timeless for party season in 2024. Alice Newbold, Vogue, 28 Nov. 2024 There, find Alva-Morgaine, a delightful wunderkammer (or cabinet of curiosities) of one-of-a-kind fashion, like 1920s flapper dresses. A.j. Goldmann, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2024 Rather than reveal the tentacles in Episode 1 and see more of what they’re attached to — an octopus, perhaps? — in ensuing episodes, the same silly little flappers pull the same trick every time. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 31 Oct. 2024 The fight was definitely escalated owing to alcohol and their silly little flapper outfits. Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flapper 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of flapper was circa 1570

Dictionary Entries Near flapper

Cite this Entry

“Flapper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flapper. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

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