fluttering
noun
flut·ter·ing
ˈflə-tər-iŋ 
plural flutterings
: a quick wavering or flapping movement or sensation
felt a fluttering in his stomach
That's about as small as the perturbation of air produced by the fluttering of a butterfly's wings …—
Gary Taubes
Gary TaubesExamples of fluttering in a Sentence
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This Valentine’s Day, whether Cupid’s bow found your match or your gal pals are your most beloved companions, there is something in the area to set your heart fluttering, or at least indulge your craving for sweets – and maybe some bubbly, too.
—Susan McDonald, The Providence Journal, 5 Feb. 2026
Though he’s not exactly known for his prowess with the puck, Middleton decided to float a fluttering pass from deep in the defensive zone, which Hinostroza literally caught in stride a millisecond before entering the offensive zone.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 30 Jan. 2026
Symptoms of the condition include shortness of breath, chest pain and a fluttering or pounding heart.
—Anne Thompson, NBC news, 4 Dec. 2025
The eye, though, is much more parsimonious, focusing its attention only on a small part of the visual scene at any one time—namely, the part of the scene that changes, like the fluttering of a leaf or a golf ball splashing into water.
—Christoph Posch, IEEE Spectrum, 26 Nov. 2025
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Susan McDonald, The Providence Journal, 5 Feb. 2026
Though he’s not exactly known for his prowess with the puck, Middleton decided to float a fluttering pass from deep in the defensive zone, which Hinostroza literally caught in stride a millisecond before entering the offensive zone.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 30 Jan. 2026
Symptoms of the condition include shortness of breath, chest pain and a fluttering or pounding heart.
—Anne Thompson, NBC news, 4 Dec. 2025
The eye, though, is much more parsimonious, focusing its attention only on a small part of the visual scene at any one time—namely, the part of the scene that changes, like the fluttering of a leaf or a golf ball splashing into water.
—Christoph Posch, IEEE Spectrum, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fluttering
Cite this Entry
“Fluttering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluttering. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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