Flicker

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈflɪkəɹ/
• GenAm IPA: /ˈflɪkÉš/
• Rhymes: -ɪkÉ™(r)

From Middle English flikeren ("to flutter"), from Old English flicerian, flicorian ("to flutter"). Akin to Dutch flikkeren ("to flutter").

Full definition of flicker

Noun

1. An unsteady flash of light.
2. A short moment.
• 1963, Margery Allingham, The China Governess Chapter 8, It was a casual sneer, obviously one of a long line. There was hatred behind it, but of a quiet, chronic type, nothing new or unduly virulent, and he was taken aback by the flicker of amazed incredulity that passed over the younger man's ravaged face.

Verb

1. (intransitive) To burn or shine unsteadily. To burn or shine with a wavering light.
• TennysonThe shadows flicker to and fro.
• 1907, w, The Younger Set Chapter 3, Long after his cigar burnt bitter, he sat with eyes fixed on the blaze. When the flames at last began to flicker and subside, his lids fluttered, then drooped ; … .
2. (intransitive) To keep going on and off; to appear and disappear for short moments; to flutter.
• 1898, J. Meade Falkner, Moonfleet Chapter 3There I lay on one side with a thin and rotten plank between the dead man and me, dazed with the blow to my head, and breathing hard; while the glow of torches as they came down the passage reddened and flickered on the roof above.
• 1908, Kenneth Grahame, The ruddy brick floor smiled up at the smoky ceiling; the oaken settles, shiny with long wear, exchanged cheerful glances with each other; plates on the dresser grinned at pots on the shelf, and the merry firelight flickered and played over everything without distinction.
3. To flutter; to flap the wings without flying.
• DrydenAnd flickering on her nest made short essays to sing.

1808, American English, probably echoic of the bird's call, or from the white spotted plumage which appears to flicker.

Noun

1. (US) A certain type of small woodpecker, especially of the genus Colaptes

flick + -er

Noun

1. One who flicks.

Derived terms

• bean flicker