Definition

1. Noun:
   • A broad, flat limb adapted for swimming: A specialized limb of aquatic animals, such as seals, turtles, or penguins, used for propulsion in water.
   • A type of swim fin: A rubber or plastic shoe with a flat, paddle-like extension worn on the foot to aid in swimming, especially underwater.

Examples

• Noun (Animal Limb):
  • The sea turtle used its powerful flippers to navigate the ocean currents.
  • The seal's flippers are not well-suited for walking on land.
• Noun (Swim Fin):
  • She put on her flippers and mask before diving into the pool.
  • Flippers help swimmers move faster and more efficiently through the water.

Advanced Usage

• "To flip one's flipper" (Informal/Idiomatic): To lose one's temper or composure. (Note: This is a playful, non-standard idiom playing on the word "flip").
  • The manager really flipped his flipper when he saw the mistake.

Variants and Related Words

• Flip (verb): To turn over or move with a quick motion. (e.g., )
• Flippered (adjective): Having flippers.
  • Flippered animals like walruses are excellent swimmers.

Synonyms

• Paddle: Can refer to a broad limb used for swimming or an oar-like implement.
• Swim fin: The formal term for the swimming aid.
• Fin: A general term for a flattened appendage on fish or aquatic mammals used for steering and balance; sometimes used interchangeably with for animals.

Related Phrases

• Flipper foot (Informal): A humorous term for a foot wearing a swim fin.
  • With his flipper feet on, he waddled awkwardly to the water's edge.

Noun

1. the flat broad limb of aquatic animals specialized for swimming
2. a shoe for swimming; the paddle-like front is an aid in swimming (especially underwater)