flounder
From WikiWord, the free dictionary
/ˈflaʊndɚ/
English
Definitions
noun
- A European species of flatfish having dull brown colouring with reddish-brown blotches; fluke, European flounder, Platichthys flesus.
- Any of various flatfish of the family Pleuronectidae or Bothidae.
- A bootmaker's tool for crimping boot fronts.
verb
- To flop around as a fish out of water.
- To make clumsy attempts to move or regain one's balance.“Robert yanked Connie's leg vigorously, causing her to flounder and eventually fall.”
- To act clumsily or confused; to struggle or be flustered.“He gave a good speech, but floundered when audience members asked questions he could not answer well.”
- To be in serious difficulty.
Related words
Synonyms
staggerplaiceturbotflatfishhalibutbotbentbendfoldsunstarsolefluketransferssummer flounderflounderling