fluttering
UK: ˈflʌtərɪŋ | US: ˈflʌtərɪŋ
adj. moving lightly and quickly; vibrating or wavering rapidly
n. the action or sound of something fluttering
v. (present participle of flutter) to move with quick, light, irregular motions
The word flutter originates from Old English floterian, meaning "to float or fly unsteadily," likely imitative of the sound or motion of wings. The root flut- suggests rapid, light movement, reinforced by the suffix -er (frequentative action) and -ing (indicating ongoing action). Over time, fluttering evolved to describe both physical motion (e.g., leaves, flags) and metaphorical unrest (e.g., emotions).
The butterfly’s wings were fluttering in the breeze.
She felt her heart fluttering with excitement.
The flags atop the tower kept fluttering noisily.
A fluttering sound came from the bird’s nest.
His eyelids began fluttering as he woke up.