flipper

Everyday

1. A flipper is a flat, wide limb that seals, turtles, penguins and dolphins use for swimming. tree →
2. Flippers are long rubber shoes like fins that people wear on their feet to swim faster. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on adaptation, flippers help sea animals swim; in everyday life children wear flippers when snorkelling. Phrases: «a pair of flippers», «flap its flippers».

Examples

• The seal waved its flipper. tree →
• Turtles use their front flippers to swim. tree →
• I wore flippers and a snorkel at the beach. tree →
• A penguin's wings work like flippers. tree →
• Flippers help you swim faster. tree →
• The dolphin slapped the water with its flipper. tree →
• Don't walk fast in flippers; you'll trip. tree →
• And all that time he never set flipper on dry ground. tree →

Note

Countable, often «a pair of flippers». Also called «fins» for swimming. A flipper is an adapted arm or leg, not a fish fin.