swatter
/'swɔtə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A tool for killing insects: An implement consisting of a flat, often perforated or mesh surface attached to a long handle, designed to kill flying insects by striking them.
Verb:
- To move in water with splashing and fluttering motions: To splash, beat, or flutter about in water or as if in water, often in an ungraceful or vigorous manner.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- I grabbed the swatter to kill the mosquito buzzing near the lamp.
- The plastic swatter is more effective than the old wire-mesh one.
Verb:
- The children swattered about in the shallow end of the pool, laughing loudly.
- The injured bird swattered in the puddle, unable to fly.
Advanced Usage
- "fly swatter": This is the most common compound term for the noun form, specifying its use against flies.
- The fly swatter is a common household item in the summer.
Variants and Related Words
- Swat (verb): To hit something, especially an insect, with a quick, sharp blow. This is the action performed with a swatter.
- He tried to swat the fly with his hand.
Synonyms
- Noun: Flyswatter, bug swatter.
- Verb: Splash, flounder, paddle, thrash.
Related Phrasal Verbs/Verb Phrases
- Swat at: To make a hitting motion toward something (like an insect).
- She swatted at the bee near her picnic blanket.
- Note: This uses the base verb "swat," not "swatter."
Related Idioms
Noun
- an implement with a flat part (of mesh or plastic) and a long handle; used to kill insects
Verb
- splash and flutter about in or as if in water
- She swattered about in the pool